Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike suffers serious ankle injury, World Cup hopes in doubt
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering what manager Arne Slot described as a "fairly serious" ankle injury during Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The French international was stretchered off in the 28th minute at Anfield after collapsing following an awkward landing, clutching the back of his ankle.
Slot offered a pessimistic prognosis in his post-match comments, casting significant doubt over the player's immediate future. "Hugo Ekitike has hurt himself very badly, it's a fairly serious injury," the Dutch coach said. "I don't know if he will play again this season." While awaiting full clinical details, Slot indicated the injury could be severe, potentially ending Ekitike's first campaign with Liverpool prematurely.
The timing of the setback could not be worse for the 22-year-old, with the FIFA World Cup looming in less than two months. French national team manager Didier Deschamps is due to name his squad next month, and Ekitike's participation is now in serious jeopardy. His Liverpool teammate and fellow French international Ibrahima Konate expressed sympathy for the situation. "I don't know what to say about it, because with the World Cup approaching, it's very, very difficult for him, and I send him my thoughts," Konate said.
Ekitike joined Liverpool from Stade de Reims in a permanent transfer this past summer, arriving as one of the most promising young attackers in European football. His pace and direct style had seen him begin to establish himself in Slot's plans, making 14 appearances across all competitions prior to this injury. His potential had also been acknowledged by Deschamps, who had previously stated the player "has the potential for the French team."
For Liverpool, the injury represents a significant blow to their attacking depth as they navigate the final months of the season across multiple competitions. It leaves Slot with fewer options in the forward line, potentially increasing the workload on the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez. For Ekitike, the focus will now shift from an immediate impact on the pitch to a race against time for rehabilitation, with his hopes of featuring in Qatar hanging in the balance.
