The verdict is in for Hugo Ekitike. He was stretchered off in tears during the Champions League quarter-final second leg between Liverpool and Paris Saint-GermainOn Tuesday evening at Anfield, the French international striker suffered a rupture of his right Achilles tendon.
Injured in a seemingly uncontact play, Hugo Ekitike left the pitch before halftime after receiving treatment for several minutes. Images of him being stretchered off, visibly in tears, immediately raised fears of a serious injury. Liverpool manager Arne Slot himself had already mentioned an injury on Tuesday evening. "really serious".
An immediate end to the season for Hugo Ekitike with Liverpool
This ruptured Achilles tendon brings an immediate end to Hugo Ekitike's 2025-2026 season. Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg, and then eliminated on aggregate. In an already difficult period for the English club, the injury to the former Paris Saint-Germain striker represents a significant blow. Hugo Ekitike, 23, had been enjoying a solid season with 17 goals in all competitions since his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The period of unavailability could reach at least 9 months, which not only rules Hugo Ekitike out of the end of the season, but also jeopardizes his short-term return to the highest level.
2026 World Cup: Hugo Ekitike will miss the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico
The most serious consequence now concerns the French national team. The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Less than two months before the start of the tournament, Hugo Ekitike's injury forces him to withdraw from the biggest international event of the year.
Before this injury, Hugo Ekitike appeared to be one of the most promising attacking options for Didier DeschampsThe French striker, who has been performing well with Liverpool, also impressed during the March international break. On March 26, Hugo Ekitike scored a goal in France's 2-1 friendly victory against Brazil, a win that solidified his standing in the French attacking hierarchy.
Didier Deschamps deprived of a credible attacking option for the French national team
Hugo Ekitike's absence has therefore reshuffled the deck in attack for Didier Deschamps. At 23, the former Paris Saint-Germain player seemed poised to be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup and could even have aspired to become a regular starter, or even compete with some of the regulars. His profile, his form this season, and his recent performances for the national team made him a credible candidate for the trip to North America. His withdrawal thus redistributes the attacking options for the French team.
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