Hugo Ekitike has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling the Liverpool striker out for the rest of the season and the 2026 World Cup with France nationwide soccer group. This was confirmed by switch knowledgeable Fabrizio Romano on his official X deal with.
The damage occurred early in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final conflict in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain, the place Ekitike was stretchered off after happening in seen ache. Stories from French outlet L’Equipe and sources near the participant have since confirmed the severity of the damage.
Romano revealed:
BREAKING: Hugo Ekitike will likely be OUT of the 2026 World Cup, confirmed. Season over for Liverpool striker; sources near the participant count on Hugo to be again in 8-9 months time with Achilles tendon damage, as L’Equipé reported.
Softfootball understands that Achilles tendon ruptures are among the many most severe accidents in soccer, notably for attacking gamers who rely closely on acceleration, sharp actions, and explosive energy. Restoration sometimes takes between eight to 9 months, that means Ekitike faces an extended rehabilitation course of earlier than returning to aggressive motion.
The setback comes lower than a 12 months after Liverpool accomplished his high-profile switch from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2025, in a deal price as much as €95 million. Expectations have been excessive for the French striker, who was seen as a key a part of the membership’s attacking future.
Earlier within the 12 months, issues had already been raised about his health, with supervisor Arne Slot confirming that Ekitike had struggled to totally combine into coaching at sure factors.
This newest damage represents a significant blow for each membership and nation, with Liverpool shedding a key attacking possibility and France pressured to regulate their plans forward of a significant worldwide event.
