Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is unlikely to play again for several months after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The France international was taken off on a stretcher in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain after appearing to sustain an injury.
Ekitike underwent tests on Wednesday to confirm the exact extent of the damage. France head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Ekitike would miss the World Cup in a statement published by his country’s federation on Wednesday evening and Liverpool have now confirmed the rupture in their own statement, issued on Thursday morning.
That update simply said Ekitike would be “sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer’s World Cup with France” but, given the significant nature of the injury, the 23-year-old’s recovery time is expected to be lengthy, potentially well into next season.
On Thursday morning, Ekitike posted on Instagram: “It’s hard, maybe even unfair… but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield.”
Ekitike, formerly of PSG, joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and has scored 17 goals across 45 appearances in all competitions for Slot’s side.
He has eight caps for the France national team, and, if fit, would have been expected to be part of Deschamps’ squad at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Hugo is one of about 10 young players who have made their debuts for the national team in recent months,” Deschamps said in his statement on Wednesday. “He had integrated perfectly into the group, both on and off the pitch. This injury is a huge blow for him, obviously, but also for the French national team.”
‘A massive blow for Liverpool’
If the worst fears are realised then Hugo Ekitike’s long spell on the sidelines will be a massive blow for Liverpool.
The French striker’s impact in his debut season at Anfield has been one of the few positives during a torrid campaign.
He’s been their most potent attacker and the only member of Arne Slot’s squad to reach double figures in terms of Premier League goals.
Ekitike’s eye-catching club form had seen him fight his way into France’s World Cup plans and having that dream dashed will be devastating for him.
Tuesday night was the first time Slot has been able to start Ekitike and record signing Alexander Isak together since December. Hopes of them developing a partnership between now and the end of the season now lie in tatters.
In the short term, Liverpool must find a way to secure Champions League qualification without their 17-goal top scorer in the six remaining Premier League matches. Now they need Isak, who only recently regained fitness after four months out with a broken fibula, to finally start repaying his £125million transfer fee.
The Swedish striker struggled against PSG, having just five touches in the first half before being taken off at the break. Isak has only scored three goals in 19 appearances since arriving from Newcastle United.
In the longer term, if Ekitike’s absence is going to stretch into the first half of next season then it’s bound to have an impact on the club’s summer transfer plans.
With Mohamed Salah leaving and Federico Chiesa expected to follow, Liverpool already required reinforcements in attack. Now their need is even greater.
