Liverpool Star Sidelined Before Crucial Fulham Battle, Fantasy Football Managers in Panic Mode

Liverpool will take on Fulham without their top scorer Hugo Ekitiké, who was notably absent when the team squad reached Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

Ekitiké has emerged as Liverpool's most successful new acquisition this campaign, netting eight goals in Premier League action after his £79 million ($106.4 million) move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The French striker's significance has become even more apparent given Alexander Isak's difficulties and current broken leg injury.

Following a goalless performance against Leeds United on New Year's Day, Ekitiké was expected to find the net for his maiden 2026 strike versus Fulham. However, with his absence clearly noted on the official team lineup, he remains sidelined due to what Liverpool have described as a "minor fitness concern."

Ekitiké's position leading Liverpool's forward line will be filled by Cody Gakpo. The Dutch player hasn't featured as a starter since sustaining an injury in mid-December and has mainly operated on the left flank this season. Remarkably, none of Gakpo's 18 starting appearances across all tournaments have been in the central striker position.

Significant Impact on FPL Managers

His recent goal-scoring streak—five strikes in three matches against Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur leading up to Christmas, plus a goal assist against Wolverhampton Wanderers to close out 2025—had Fantasy Premier League participants scrambling to include Ekitiké in their lineups.

Entering gameweek 20, the Liverpool forward was chosen by 35.7% of all FPL participants. This positions him as the second most popular forward selection behind only FPL giant Erling Haaland and the fifth most selected player across all positions.