Hugo Ekitike suffered an injury off the ball during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, and their worst fears have been realised following a scan
Hugo Ekitike could be out for nine months(Image: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA/Shutterstock)
Liverpool have released a statement confirming that Hugo Ekitike has ruptured his Achilles tendon. Ekitike, 23, will now miss the remainder of this season and the World Cup.
The Frenchman suffered an off-the-ball injury during Tuesday’s 2-0 loss at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. After attempting to sprint, Ekitike fell down on the turf and was in serious pain.
Scans have now confirmed his, Liverpool and France’s worst fears, and the striker faces nine months out. A 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.
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“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 subsequently took to Instagram and posted a heartfelt message. “It’s hard, maybe even unfair… but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you,” the 23-year-old wrote. “The I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield.”
Previously, France manager Didier Deschamps had confirmed the blow. “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.
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“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 rupture means that Liverpool have now suffered three long-term injuries this season, all to new signings. Defender Giovanni Leoni has been sidelined since September after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, while striker Alexander Isak has only just returned from suffering a broken leg in December.
In his debut season at Anfield, Ekitike scored 17 goals and provided six assists. He was brought in from German club Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79million.
Now that Ekitike is unlikely to play again until next year, Liverpool could move to sign a new forward in the summer transfer window. The Reds were already looking at the market ahead of Mo Salah’s departure.
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