Liverpool's Ekitike Suffers Injury Setback, Likely to Sit Out World Cup

Liverpool's attacking prospects have been dealt a significant blow with Hugo Ekitike's severe Achilles tendon rupture, an injury that will likely keep the striker sidelined for the remainder of the season and the 2026 World Cup, with a projected nine-month recovery period.

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The 23-year-old French forward suffered the injury during the first half of Liverpool's Champions League loss to Paris St-Germain on Tuesday, a moment that saw him step back onto his right foot before collapsing to the ground at Anfield.

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The injury's timing is particularly devastating for Ekitike, as the £69 million summer signing will not only miss the World Cup with France but also a substantial portion of the next campaign.

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As Ekitike lay on the turf, he appeared to clutch the lower part of his right Achilles tendon, while his concerned teammates attempted to offer comfort.

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot acknowledged the severity of Ekitike's injury, stating that it "looks really bad" after the striker was stretchered off the field.

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Slot's assessment of the situation was cautious, saying "Hugo looks really bad, but it is difficult to say how bad" and adding that a clearer picture would emerge later.

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Ekitike has enjoyed a promising start to his Liverpool career, scoring 11 Premier League goals in his first season with the club.

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The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has also made significant contributions across all competitions, with 17 goals and six assists in 45 appearances.