Scans have since confirmed Liverpool, Ekitike and France’s worst fears, with the striker now facing nine months out. “Liverpool FC can confirm that Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious injury to his Achilles tendon. The forward slipped on the grass during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield and had to be substituted. Subsequent tests confirmed that he had suffered a rupture of his Achilles tendon,” the club said in a statement.
“Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and will not be able to take part in this summer’s World Cup with France. Further updates will be provided in due course and Hugo will have the full support of everyone at LFC.”
France coach Didier Deschamps had already acknowledged the seriousness of the injury before the official announcement. Deschamps said: “Hugo suffered 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 with Liverpool and participate in the World Cup. Hugo is one of more than a dozen young players who have made their debut for the national team in recent months.”
“He integrated perfectly into the group both on and off the pitch. This injury is a big blow not only for him but also for the French team.”
“His disappointment is immeasurable. Hugo will get back to his best, I’m sure of that. However, I would like to express my full support to him and the entire staff. I know he will give his full support to the France national team and we all have strong thoughts about him.”
Ekitike’s injury means Liverpool have endured a third serious and long-term setback with new players at the club this season.
Defender Giovanni Leoni has been out since September with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, while striker Alexander Isak has only just returned from breaking his foot in December.
In his first season at Anfield, Ekitike scored 17 goals and provided six assists.
With Ekitike unlikely to feature again until next year, Liverpool are likely to look to strengthen their attacking options during the summer transfer window. The Reds have already set their sights on potential targets in preparation for Mohamed Salah’s departure.
