Hugo Ekitike ruled out for the rest of season and summer World Cup with injury | OneFootball

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike (23) has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will miss this summer’s World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Tuesday’s Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain, BBC Sport has reported.

The 23-year-old France international was forced off in the first half at Anfield after slipping awkwardly, leaving the pitch on a stretcher as Liverpool’s medical staff attended to him. Scans carried out on Wednesday confirmed the extent of the injury, with the club announcing on Thursday that Ekitike will be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the campaign.

Liverpool did not provide a timescale for his recovery, but the nature of the injury raises concerns that he could also miss the start of next season.

Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last July, has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult season, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in all competitions. He had also begun to establish himself in the France set-up after making his international debut in September.

France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed Ekitike will not be part of the squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, describing the injury as “a huge blow” for both player and country.

Ekitike posted a message to supporters on social media, thanking Liverpool fans for their support and promising to return stronger.

His absence adds to Liverpool’s growing injury list at a critical stage of the season, leaving head coach Arne Slot with another major setback to manage.

GFN | Finn Entwistle