Hugo Ekitike, a notable acquisition from Liverpool’s record-breaking summer spending spree, has suffered a severe ankle injury. The incident occurred during Liverpool’s 0-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, a match that saw the team eliminated from the Champions League. Ekitike was stretchered off in tears in the 30th minute, and a subsequent diagnosis revealed a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward had been a significant contributor, netting 17 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. However, his absence will be keenly felt in the crucial final month of the season, as Liverpool battles Chelsea for the fifth and final Champions League qualification spot.
The consequences extend beyond club football; Ekitike will also miss the upcoming World Cup this summer. The 23-year-old has progressed through the French youth ranks, earning his first senior call-up last August and scoring his maiden goal against Ukraine in November, a vital contribution to France’s World Cup qualification campaign.
According to RMCSport, both the French national team and Liverpool are in constant communication regarding Ekitike’s condition. The Achilles tendon rupture means he will not play again this season and will undoubtedly miss the World Cup with France.
Translation to English:
Hugo Ekitike, one of the top recruits from Liverpool’s record-breaking spending spree last summer—which, ironically, only worsened the team’s situation—sustained an injury during the 0-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, eliminating the team from the Champions League. In the 30th minute, Ekitike had to be stretchered off in tears. He was diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward had scored 17 goals in 45 appearances for the club, all competitions combined, but Liverpool has been on the decline compared to last year. His absence will be felt during the final month of the season as Liverpool vies with Chelsea for the fifth and final spot that will allow them to participate in the Champions League.
Worse still, Ekitike will miss the World Cup this summer. The 23-year-old has made his way up through the France U20 and U21 teams and was first called up to the senior squad last August, scoring his first goal against Ukraine in November to help France qualify for the World Cup.
According to RMCSport, the French national team and Liverpool are in constant contact to monitor Ekitike, who, following this diagnosis, will not play until the end of the season and will certainly miss the World Cup with France.