Manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike, who suffered an injury in Liverpool’s defeat to PSG, will not be included in France’s squad for this summer’s World Cup. The French team won 2-0 at Anfield in the Champions League, with Ekitike spearheading the Reds’ attack.
However, the French striker went down with a suspected Achilles problem in the 27th minute and was replaced by Mohamed Salah just after the half-hour mark. Liverpool manager Arne Slott admitted after the full-time whistle that the injury was serious, and Deschamps confirmed Ekitike’s season was over.
Deschamps said in a statement: “Hugo sustained a serious injury in the game against PSG on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injury, he will not be able to finish the season at Liverpool and take part in the World Cup.”
“Ugo is one of more than a dozen young players who have made their debut for the national team in recent months. He has integrated perfectly into the team both on and off the pitch.
“This injury is a big blow not only for him but also for the French national team. His disappointment is immeasurable. I am sure Hugo will return to his top form.”
“However, I wanted to express my full support to him and the entire staff. We know he will give his full support to the French team and we all feel very strongly about him.”
Ekitike will no longer be involved in France’s World Cup activities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with Deschamps’ team aiming to reclaim the trophy they won at the 2018 World Cup after losing to Argentina in Qatar in 2022.
Details of the Frenchman’s injury remain unclear and Liverpool have yet to make a statement regarding the setback, but reports suggest the player could be sidelined until 2027 at the latest.
“(He wasn’t feeling) very well,” Slott said in an interview with Amazon Prime. “Everyone could see that he wasn’t feeling well and wasn’t feeling well. Everyone could see that he wasn’t feeling well. In the second half, he went home and I didn’t see him.”
“It also seems like we’ve lost players a lot this season, so it’s very difficult for him because the last thing you want to do is get injured at this stage of the season.”
Fellow France international Ibrahima Konate said: “I’m very sad for him and I hope he comes back. I don’t think it’s good, but I don’t know.”
“I’ve heard a lot of things. It’s a very difficult situation for him at the moment because there’s a World Cup this summer and a lot of things going on. And I’m keeping him in my prayers.”
