LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the World Cup due to: serious leg injuryFrance national team coach Didier Deschamps made the announcement on Wednesday.
Ekitike suffered a suspected Achilles tendon injury in the 27th minute of Tuesday’s Champions League match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain and was carried off the field on a stretcher.
Deschamps said: “Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injury, he will not be able to finish the season with Liverpool or participate in the World Cup.”
Severe Achilles tendon injuries can take six months or more to fully recover.
Liverpool did not immediately confirm the news, but manager Arne Slott said on Tuesday that the injury looked “really bad”.
Ekitike was one of Liverpool’s top players this season and was expected to be included in France’s squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He scored 19 goals for club and country and also scored for France. 2-1 victory over Brazil last month.
“Hugo is one of around 10 young players who have made their international debut in recent months. He has integrated perfectly into the team both on and off the pitch,” Deschamps said. “This injury is of course a big blow for him, but also for the French national team. His disappointment is immeasurable. Hugo will return to his best, I am sure. However, I wanted to express my full support to him and the entire staff.”
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