Hugo Ekitike is making strong progress in his recovery from an Achilles rupture and the striker has now set a specific date for his return with Liverpool.
Ekitike ruptured his Achilles attempting a sprint in the 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, with the Frenchman forced to undergo surgery.
Overseen by leading experts in the field, the operation has left Ekitike facing a long road to his return to the pitch.
But L’Equipe now report that the Frenchman is targeting a return to training in autumn with a view to playing again for Liverpool on December 26.
That would mean a recovery time of eight-and-a-half months, which would be at the lowest end of projections from back in April when Ekitike went under the knife.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike lies on the floor Injured holding his ankle during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
At the time he was predicted to miss between nine and 12 months, with the earliest possible return being January 2027, while it was noted how former PSG team-mate Presnel Kimpembe missed two years with the same injury.
American surgeon Dr Martin O’Malley served as a consultant on Ekitike’s surgery and his work allowed Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum to return to top form within 10 months.
Liverpool’s medical team are described as positive when it comes to the 23-year-old’s progress, as he works on his upper-body strength while his right leg is immobilised.
If he is able to return before the end of the year it would be a major boost for both player and club, with Ekitike undoubtedly one of the brightest hopes for Liverpool’s future.
Why Hugo Ekitike’s injury was such a blow for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike with his crutches before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Despite his injury he ended his debut campaign at Anfield as top scorer, having netted 17 goals in his 45 appearances along with six assists.
There were natural concerns that his Achilles rupture – which occurred off the ball – was the result of overuse, with Arne Slot relying heavily on his No. 22 in the absence of Alexander Isak.
When Ekitike does make his comeback he will be working under a new head coach in Andoni Iraola, who will almost certainly relish working with the £79 million striker.
Liverpool will learn their fixtures for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign on Friday at 10am, which will include their opponent for the traditional festive slot on Boxing Day.
Achilles Ruptures in Football: Recovery Times
Player Age at Injury Return Time
Callum Hudson-Odoi 18 ~5 Months
David Beckham 34 ~6 Months
Javier Zanetti 39 ~6 Months
Laurent Koscielny 32 ~7 Months
Leonardo Spinazzola 28 ~9 Months
Ruben Loftus-Cheek 23 ~13 Months
Presnel Kimpembe 27 ~24 Months
* Data courtesy of Transfermarkt.