Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike suffers injury scare in Champions League win
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a worrying injury during his side's Champions League quarter-final second leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. The French international collapsed to the turf in the 28th minute at Anfield, clutching his heel after a change of direction, and was subsequently stretchered off in tears, replaced by Mohamed Salah.
According to reports from Canal+, the 22-year-old was visibly emotional as he was taken down the tunnel, casting significant doubt over his immediate availability. The timing of the setback is particularly cruel for both player and club, with Liverpool progressing to the semi-finals with a 2-0 win on the night but now facing a potential lengthy absence for a key attacker.
The injury raises immediate concerns for France manager Didier Deschamps, who is set to name his squad for this summer's World Cup in one month. Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from PSG in a reported €65 million deal last summer, has been a regular in recent French squads and was considered a strong contender for the tournament. Deschamps will now anxiously await medical updates in the coming days.
For Liverpool, the loss of Ekitike represents a major blow to their ambitions on multiple fronts. Since his high-profile move, the striker has contributed 12 goals across all competitions, offering a different physical profile alongside the likes of Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo. His ability to link play and press from the front has been integral to manager Arne Slot's system.
The context of his departure from PSG last year adds a layer of narrative to the incident, occurring against his former club in a high-stakes knockout match. Ekitike's career had been on a steep upward trajectory since his breakthrough at Reims, and this injury interrupts what has been a largely successful first season adapting to the Premier League.
Liverpool's medical staff will conduct scans to determine the full extent of the damage, with fears it could be a serious Achilles issue. The club confirmed Ekitike will undergo assessment on Wednesday. His potential absence would force a reshuffle in Liverpool's attacking options for the critical final weeks of the season, where they remain alive in the Premier League title race and the Champions League.
In the broader picture, the incident underscores the brutal physical demands of the modern schedule, with a crucial international tournament looming. For now, the focus at Anfield will be on a swift and full recovery for their talented forward, while the French football federation holds its breath.
