Liverpool have officially confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitike has ruptured his Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the rest of the 2025/26 season and this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America — a crushing blow for one of the Premier League's brightest attacking talents.
The 23-year-old forward slipped on the Anfield turf just 31 minutes into Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain before being stretchered from the field. Scans completed the following day confirmed the full Achilles rupture, with France head coach Didier Deschamps subsequently confirming the striker would not be available for the tournament. His recovery timeline is expected to fall between nine and twelve months.
Liverpool released statement:
“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 St 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.”
Ekitike's message to Liverpool fans
Taking to social media shortly after the diagnosis was confirmed, Ekitike posted an emotional message accompanied by a photograph of himself seated on the Anfield pitch.
Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool player, said:
"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 joined Liverpool last summer in a £69 million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt and had been one of the club's standout performers, registering 17 goals in all competitions before sustaining the injury. His absence is further compounded by the situation surrounding Alexander Isak, who only made his first start back from a fractured ankle in the same PSG match.
