Liverpool FC striker Hugo Ekitiké has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the upcoming World Cup following a serious injury sustained during a UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 23-year-old French forward suffered what is believed to be an Achilles tendon rupture in the first half of Liverpool’s quarter-final second-leg defeat on Tuesday, April 14. The incident forced him off the pitch early in the game, raising immediate concerns among teammates, coaching staff, and supporters.
While the club is yet to officially confirm the full extent of the injury, Ekitiké underwent medical scans on Wednesday, and further updates are expected later in the week. However, early indications suggest the injury is severe enough to keep him sidelined for several months, potentially ruling him out until next year.
Confirming the setback, France national team head coach Didier Deschamps disclosed that the striker will not be part of his plans for the upcoming World Cup.
“Hugo suffered a serious injury against PSG on Tuesday night,” Deschamps said. “Unfortunately, the severity of his injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and from taking part in the World Cup.”
The news comes as a major blow for both club and country, given Ekitiké’s impressive form this season. He has been Liverpool’s leading goalscorer, netting 17 goals across all competitions and playing a crucial role in the team’s attacking lineup.
Ekitiké joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer in a deal reportedly worth up to £79 million. Since his arrival, he has quickly established himself as one of the standout signings in the club’s recent recruitment drive, earning praise for his pace, finishing ability, and versatility in attack.
His absence is expected to significantly impact Liverpool’s push in both domestic and European competitions, as the team now faces the challenge of reshuffling its attacking options at a critical stage of the season.
For the French national team, Ekitiké’s injury represents a setback ahead of the World Cup, where France national football team will compete in a group featuring Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in matches scheduled to be held in the United States.
Analysts say the loss of the young forward could affect France’s attacking depth, especially considering his recent form and growing influence within the squad.
Meanwhile, fans and football stakeholders have taken to social media to express their support for the striker, wishing him a speedy recovery as he begins what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation process.
As Liverpool awaits official confirmation on the injury, attention will also turn to how the club plans to cope without one of its most in-form players during the crucial final stretch of the season.
