By Francis Muojindu
Following Liverpool’s exit yesterday from the Champions League after a second defeat to PSG in their quarter-final match, concern turned to Hugo Ekitike’s substitution early in the 31st minute after going down without contact while he was sprinting. Although he received a long treatment on the pitch, he was deemed incapable of continuing with the match.
Early reports suggest that French striker Hugo Ekitike will be out of action for a long period of time due to a rupture in his right Achilles tendon.
Credit: BBC
Ekitike has been one of the most available attacking options in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side this season, having played about 45 matches this season. With the early scans showing that the signs do not look good, the expected timeframe for recovery is 9 months.
Being out for 9 months means Ekitike will miss the World Cup this summer, where he is expected to play a crucial role for France. He will miss the first 4 to 5 months of the 2026/ 2027 Premier League season.
Didier Deschamps earlier confirmed the short-term impact of the injury sustained as the French National Team Boss ruled the Striker out of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
"Unfortunately, the severity of (Ekitike's) injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup," Deschamps said in a statement released by the French football federation.
Credit: Goal.com
Run-In Impact & Future Planning
Fresh injury concerns worry every team, and for Liverpool, it will be no different. However, Isak’s return can help them secure a strong finish in the Premier League with the Reds out of every cup competition, and back to playing only once a week, it will be easy to manage.
The problem will arise in the summer when Mohammed Salah’s departure will also weigh in on the recruitment strategy, since Ekitike will miss out on the beginning of the season, Liverpool may look to the transfer market in the summer to improve depth.
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