Slot has made a clear decision regarding Federico Kiesa's status with Liverpool ahead of this week's Premier League match.
On 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, gave his latest interview on the club's official website ahead of their Premier League home game against last-placed Wolverhampton, scheduled for Saturday, 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7.
Currently, Liverpool is missing three forwards simultaneously: Mohamed Salah, who is with Egypt's national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations; Alexander Isak, sidelined for about three months due to a broken leg; and Cody Gakpo, who remains injured.
As a result, Hugo Ekitike has become Liverpool's main striker, recently scoring 11 goals across all competitions, including 8 in the Premier League, with 5 goals coming in the last 3 matches.
Arne Slot spoke about Hugo Ekitike, saying, "He has worked very hard to improve his physical condition both on and off the pitch. For us, his ability to score goals is very important, but he has put in a lot of hard work to reach this point, and I believe he is ready to play in the upcoming fixtures we face."
However, the Liverpool coach added that Italian international forward Federico Kiesa is likely to get playing opportunities during this period when many attackers are unavailable, stating, "But he is not the only number 9 forward I have."
"I also have Federico Kiesa, who can play in that position as well, so I have the option to field him there. I wouldn’t say to rest Hugo Ekitike, but I would substitute him if he becomes too fatigued, with Federico Kiesa ready to come on."
This season, Federico Kiesa has played 12 Premier League games for Liverpool, all as a substitute, totaling only 151 minutes on the field, during which he has scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist.