Arne Slot’s explanation why he hasn’t been playing Hugo Ekitike on the left simply makes no sense

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Hugo Ekitike has seen his minutes diminish at Liverpool after beginning the campaign in blistering form.

The Frenchman scored three goals in his first five Premier League appearances for the Reds but hasn’t found the net since after being demoted to Alexander Isak’s back-up.

Having cost Liverpool almost £200m between them, the plan was surely to have both Ekitike and Isak playing together in the long-term.

If that is to happen, one of the strikers will likely have to settle for a spot on the left wing, with Ekitike looking best-placed to be given that role.

So far, though, Arne Slot has been reluctant to let his two big-money signings loose, preferring to keep faith in Cody Gakpo and play either Ekitike or Isak through the middle. Asked to comment on why that is during Friday’s pre-Leeds United press conference, Slot’s explanation made little sense.

Arne Slot points to Alexander Isak fitness issues

With Slot reticent to play Ekitike and Isak at the same time, the wisdom of Liverpool signing both players this summer has been loudly questioned.

Gakpo is in really poor form, and if the Dutch coach is not willing to try his two new additions against that backdrop, maybe he never will.

READ MORE: Arne Slot answers how close Federico Chiesa is to a Liverpool start after ‘really good’ praise

According to Slot, the biggest reason for the lack of Ekitike’s playing time on the left wing has been nothing to do with Gakpo, and more to do with Isak’s recurring problems.

“The reason why I haven’t tried Hugo a lot of times off the left is an obvious one, because of Alexander Isak’s situation, that he’s not been available or not been available to start every single game,” he said.

If Isak has not been available, Ekitike has been playing through the middle, that is understandable. But it does not answer why the France international has been overlooked when Isak has been fit.

Can you name the top-five players with the most appearances for Liverpool and Leeds combined❓

• 1: ???
• 2: ???
• 3: Robbie Fowler: 296
• 4: ???
• 5: ???

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The Swede has started Liverpool’s last three Premier League matches. Why was Ekitike not considered for a spot on the left wing during those matches? Yes, he is needed to swap Isak before the end of matches, but could he not simply shift to a central position at that juncture?

This is something every Liverpool supporter is desperate to see happen at some stage, but Slot keeps on holding back. There is no logic to it, no matter how hard he protests.

Could Hugo Ekitike start from the left against Leeds?

Saturday brings another opportunity for Slot to start Ekitike and Isak at the same time, as Liverpool travel to face Leeds United.

However, the Reds also have another tough away trip to come on Tuesday, in Milan against Inter.

It seems likely that Slot will rotate at least a little in West Yorkshire, making it unlikely that Ekitike and Isak will both be in the starting line-up.

Having begun the last two in quick succession, it is probable that Isak will drop to the bench in favour of his French counterpart.

Despite seeing him taken off at half-time on Wednesday, Liverpool fans will have to prepare for the fact that Gakpo is likely to be given the nod once again.