Hugo Ekitike suffered an off-the-ball injury during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, but scans have confirmed his worst fears.
Hugo Ekitike could be out for nine months (Image: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA/Shutterstock)
Liverpool have released a statement confirming that Hugo Ekitike has ruptured his Achilles tendon. Ekitike, 23, will miss the remainder of the season and the World Cup.
The Frenchman suffered an off-the-ball injury during Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. After attempting a sprint, Ekitike fell to the grass and was in severe pain.
Tests confirmed his, Liverpool’s and France’s worst fears, with the striker facing nine months out. A statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm that Hugo Ekitike has suffered 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 he had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.”
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“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.”
Ekitike later posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. “It’s difficult and maybe even unfair… but I’m grateful that this is happening to me here, among you,” the 23-year-old wrote. “I am not alone. Your strength and love keep me going. See you soon, Anfield.”
Earlier, France national team coach Didier Deschamps also acknowledged the blow. 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.”
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Hugo Ekitike injured during sprint (Image: Getty Images)
“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 rupture meant Liverpool had three long-term injuries this season, all of them new players. Defender Giovanni Leoni has been out since September with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, while striker Alexander Isak only returned from a broken leg in December.
In his debut season at Anfield, Ekitike scored 17 goals and provided six assists. He was signed from German club Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million.
With Ekitike unlikely to play again until next year, Liverpool could move to sign a new forward in the summer transfer window. The Reds were already eyeing the market ahead of Mo Salah’s departure.
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