Hugo Ekitike out of World Cup & set for NINE months on sidelines as Liverpool confirm devastating Achilles injury blow

The Frenchman was stretchered off in visible distress during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final at Anfield following a non-contact incident. Ekitike appeared to lose his footing on the turf while chasing a loose ball, leading to an immediate medical intervention and his subsequent withdrawal from the match. Initial fears of a long-term layoff were realised following comprehensive scans, leaving the Reds without a key attacking figure for the season’s defining stretch.

The club issued a formal update on Thursday, confirming the worst-case scenario for the 23-year-old following medical assessments. The diagnosis represents a massive setback for the player, who had been in scintillating form, having registered 17 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season.

Detailing the specifics of the injury sustained against his former side, a Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious Achilles injury. The forward had to be substituted during the first half of Tuesday's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after a slip on the turf. Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.”

Beyond the blow to Liverpool’s tactical plans, the injury carries significant international consequences as Ekitike was widely tipped to lead the line for France this summer. The timing of the rupture means he will now miss the opportunity to represent his country on the world stage.

Expressing the club's commitment to his recovery, the statement continued: “Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer's World Cup with France. Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time, with Hugo receiving the full support of everyone at LFC.”

Ekitike is expected to undergo corrective surgery immediately before embarking on a rehabilitation programme that will likely keep him sidelined until the early stages of 2027. Liverpool must now reconfigure their forward line ahead of this weekend's pivotal Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park, where victory would be vital if they're to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.