Scans have since confirmed the worst fears of Liverpool, Ekitike and France, with the striker now facing nine months on the sidelines. A club statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious Achilles injury. The forward had to be substituted during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after a slip on the turf. Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.
“Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer’s World Cup with France. Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time, with Hugo receiving the full support of everyone at LFC.”
France manager Didier Deschamps had already acknowledged the severity of the injury prior to the official announcement. “Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG,” Deschamps said.
“The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup. Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months.
“He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it. This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team.
“His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I’m convinced of it. But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he’ll be fully behind the France team, and we’re all thinking of him very strongly.”
Ekitike’s injury means Liverpool have now endured three serious long-term setbacks this season, all involving new arrivals at the club.
Defender Giovanni Leoni has been on the sidelines since September following a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while striker Alexander Isak has only recently returned after sustaining a broken leg back in December.
In his maiden season at Anfield, Ekitike netted 17 goals and chipped in with six assists.
With Ekitike now unlikely to feature again until next year, Liverpool may well look to strengthen their attacking options during the summer transfer window. The Reds had already been casting an eye over potential targets in preparation of Mohamed Salah‘s exit.