Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a devastating blow after confirming that striker Hugo Ekitike has sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France. The injury occurred during Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night, where Ekitike was stretchered off after just 22 minutes of play.
The French international slipped and landed awkwardly while challenging for the ball, immediately signaling distress before being substituted. Subsequent medical scans confirmed a full rupture of the Achilles tendon in his right ankle, a severe injury that typically requires nine months of recovery.
Liverpool issued an official statement on Thursday morning, stating: “Liverpool FC can confirm Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious Achilles injury. Ekitike was injured in the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal against defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain. He slipped and landed awkwardly, needing to be stretchered off the pitch. Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.”
The club added that Ekitike “will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer’s World Cup with France,” with further updates to follow as his rehabilitation progresses.
France national team manager Didier Deschamps echoed the severity of the setback, saying: “Unfortunately, the severity of [Ekitike’s] injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup. This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team.” Deschamps expressed full support for the player, noting the emotional toll of losing a key squad member ahead of the tournament.
Ekitike, who joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window, had shown promise in his early appearances before suffering this setback. His absence compounds Liverpool’s injury woes, which have already seen summer signing Alexander Isak miss significant time with a broken leg earlier in the season.
The 23-year-old forward will now undergo surgery and initiate an extensive rehabilitation process, with a return to competitive action unlikely before early 2027. For France, the injury removes one of their attacking options as they prepare to defend their World Cup title on home soil later this year.
As Slot regroups his squad following the Champions League exit, the focus shifts to domestic fixtures and managing a depleted attacking lineup. Ekitike’s recovery timeline will be monitored closely by both club and country, though neither expects his return before the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Stay updated with Archysport for the latest on Hugo Ekitike’s rehabilitation and Liverpool’s response to this significant injury blow.
