Liverpool's Hugo Ekitiké ruled out for season with Achilles rupture
Liverpool have confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitiké has suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture and will miss the 2026 World Cup with France. The 22-year-old was carried off on a stretcher during the second leg of Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final against his former club Paris Saint-Germain last week. Subsequent scans revealed the full extent of the injury, with the club stating he will be unavailable for the remainder of the club campaign and the international tournament this summer.
The club issued a supportive message on their social media channels, saying "We are all with you, Hugo." The sentiment was echoed by France teammates, including Kylian Mbappé, and national team coach Didier Deschamps, who offered his personal support to the young forward. Ekitiké joined Liverpool from PSG in a permanent transfer earlier this season, though the exact fee was not disclosed by either club.
The injury represents a brutal setback for Ekitiké, who was beginning to find his footing in the Premier League after a high-profile move. His pace and direct running had offered Liverpool a different attacking dimension, and he was seen as a crucial part of the squad's depth for the final push in multiple competitions. His absence now leaves a significant gap in manager Arne Slot's attacking options for the decisive weeks of the season.
Recovery from a complete Achilles rupture typically requires a minimum of six to nine months, placing Ekitiké's return likely in early 2027. This timeline rules him out of not only the World Cup but also the start of the next Premier League season. For France, it is another blow to their attacking reserves ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following other recent injury concerns within the squad.
For Liverpool, the focus shifts to managing without a player they had integrated into their system. The injury may prompt internal discussions about short-term contingencies, though the January transfer window is closed. Players like Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota may see increased minutes in central roles alongside Darwin Núñez. The long-term nature of the injury also means the club's medical and rehabilitation staff will be central to Ekitiké's journey back to full fitness, a process that will extend well into the next campaign.
