Hugo Ekitike has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling the Liverpool striker out for the remainder of the season and the 2026 World Cup with France national football team. This was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle.
The injury occurred early in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, where Ekitike was stretchered off after going down in visible pain. Reports from French outlet L’Equipe and sources close to the player have since confirmed the severity of the injury.
Romano revealed:
BREAKING: Hugo Ekitike will be OUT of the 2026 World Cup, confirmed. Season over for Liverpool striker; sources close to the player expect Hugo to be back in 8-9 months time with Achilles tendon injury, as L’Equipé reported.
Softfootball understands that Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most serious injuries in football, particularly for attacking players who rely heavily on acceleration, sharp movements, and explosive power. Recovery typically takes between eight to nine months, meaning Ekitike faces a long rehabilitation process before returning to competitive action.
The setback comes less than a year after Liverpool completed his high-profile transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2025, in a deal worth up to €95 million. Expectations were high for the French striker, who was seen as a key part of the club’s attacking future.
Earlier in the year, concerns had already been raised about his fitness, with manager Arne Slot confirming that Ekitike had struggled to fully integrate into training at certain points.
This latest injury represents a major blow for both club and country, with Liverpool losing a key attacking option and France forced to adjust their plans ahead of a major international tournament.
