Sports
Liverpool Star Ekitike ruled out of World Cup after injury blow
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is expected to be out of action for around nine months after suffering a serious Achilles tendon rupture, ruling him out for the rest of the season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 23-year-old French forward picked up the injury during Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield.
He went down midway through the first half after pushing off his right foot in a sprint before collapsing on the pitch in clear pain.
The injury is a major setback for Liverpool, as the £69 million summer signing will now miss a large part of the next campaign as well. It also comes as a huge blow to France’s plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the forward ruled out of the tournament due to his long recovery period.
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.
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