By Adegboyega Adeleye
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the 2026 World Cup and the remainder of the season after suffering a severe Achilles tendon rupture during Tuesday’s Champions League loss to Paris St-Germain, with reports indicating a nine-month recovery period.
The 23-year-old French forward sustained the knock midway through the first half of their Champions League exit on Tuesday night, stepping back onto his right foot to accelerate before crumpling to the turf at Anfield.
This devastating blow means the £69 million summer signing will not only miss the World Cup with France but also a significant part of the next campaign.
The 23-year-old appeared to clutch the lower part of his right Achilles tendon as he lay down, while his teammates attempted to comfort him.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot also admitted Ekitike’s injury “looks really bad” after the France striker was taken off on a stretcher.
“Hugo looks really bad, but it is difficult to say how bad,” Slot said.
“Let’s see. It doesn’t look good, that is clear. I didn’t see him at half-time, and after the game he was already home. I have not spoken to him yet.”
Ekitike has scored 11 Premier League goals for Liverpool in his first season at the club. The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has also contributed 17 goals and six assists across 45 appearances in all competitions.