Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike suffers Achilles rupture, ruled out of World Cup
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon, according to reports in France, an injury that will sideline him for an estimated nine months and rule him out of the upcoming World Cup. The 22-year-old was carried off in tears on a stretcher during the 30th minute of Liverpool's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, with initial fears over a serious injury now confirmed.
French media sources indicate the severity of the injury, which typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation period. The timing is particularly cruel for Ekitike, who was widely expected to be named in Didier Deschamps's France squad for the World Cup later this year. The forward had been in strong contention following his performances this season for Liverpool and his impact during the recent international window, where he scored in a 2-1 friendly victory for Les Bleus against Brazil.
Ekitike joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain in a permanent transfer this past summer, though the exact fee was not disclosed. He had been establishing himself as a key part of manager Arne Slot's attacking plans, making his injury a significant blow to the club's depth ahead of a busy schedule. The player's emotional reaction upon leaving the pitch underscored the immediate understanding of the injury's potential consequences.
For Liverpool, the loss deprives them of a dynamic attacking option for the remainder of the season and likely a portion of the next campaign. The club will now have to rely more heavily on other forwards in its squad as it competes across multiple fronts. For Ekitike personally, the injury represents a devastating setback, missing a career-defining opportunity to represent his country on the world's biggest stage after appearing to have secured a place in Deschamps's plans.
The long recovery road ahead will now be the primary focus for the player and the club's medical staff. Such a significant injury, occurring at a pivotal moment in both his club and international career, marks a challenging period for the young forward who had been showcasing his development since his move to the Premier League.
