How Hugo Ekitike rebuilds after 14 April Achilles rupture, missing the World Cup | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike’s season stopped with a ruptured right Achilles on 14 April, ruling the Liverpool striker out of the World Cup and away from Les Bleus. According to L'Équipe, his recent weeks have revolved around pain, surgery and the slow work of rehabilitation.

Back in March he impressed on the United States tour, shining in the 2-1 win over Brazil on 26 March and sparking debate about his status with France. Now the 23-year-old former Paris forward is not at the Four Seasons in Boston with the squad over the past four days, keeping in touch by message with team-mates and staff from around 5,000 kilometres away.

The initial shock gave way to silence as football and its emotions felt distant. After consultations with specialists, including Americans, surgery was scheduled in London around 20 April.

A new routine followed. Using a knee scooter, he passed time at home with close friends and family who have followed him from Reims to Frankfurt via Vejle in Denmark, mixing video games with conversations to name darker feelings.

Daily physio at the training ground and weekly checks with his surgeon focused on clean healing. The walking boot became an awkward companion, crutches essential. Psychological support has been regular, with calls from team-mates and Didier Deschamps helping.

Medical checkpoints have been positive, with healing progressing. Knowing the comeback marathon will be long, he has worked upper body and pool sessions to be ready once weight-bearing is possible. He stayed close to Les Bleus and noted the “Courage Hugo” banner at La Beaujoire during the 1-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on 4 June.

In the coming weeks he will take breathing space in the United States, where he has summer habits. Seeing him on the East Coast, in New York, Boston or Philadelphia, would not be a surprise, before the grind of treatment resumes.

Recovery timelines vary for this injury. The target is training in autumn and a competitive return on Boxing Day, and his absence is felt in Boston, Liverpool and beyond.

Source: L'Équipe