Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is targeting a Boxing Day comeback after suffering a serious Achilles injury, with the striker in immense pain but remaining optimistic about his recovery timeline.
Mark Jones Liverpool Content Editor - Sport
11:01, 16 Jun 2026Updated 11:09, 16 Jun 2026
Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike on the bench ahead of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Hugo Ekitike wants to return to the pitch this year(Image: Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has his sights set on a return to Liverpool action by Boxing Day, as the Reds forward continues his rehabilitation from the serious injury that has caused him 'immense pain'.
Ekitike had been the standout performer amongst Liverpool's new signings during a disappointing campaign last season, netting 17 goals right up until April's Champions League second leg encounter with his former club Paris Saint-Germain.
It was during that match that the forward was left in agony after rupturing an Achilles tendon in his right leg, an injury that has subsequently ruled him out of his first World Cup with France.
The severity of the injury — one famously suffered by John Barnes during his time at Anfield — has raised doubts over whether Ekitike will return as the same player, yet a fresh report suggests he is now setting his sights on a Christmas comeback.
L'Equipe, via the Liverpool Echo, reports that Ekitike has been in 'immense pain' over the past two months as he grapples with the heartbreak of missing the World Cup, prompting him to pretend that football 'ceased to exist' as he attempted to come to terms with the cruel nature of the setback, .
Ekitike — who was spotted on the pitch on crutches following Liverpool's final fixture of the season against Brentford last month — underwent a successful operation in London just days after sustaining the injury.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike was enjoying a brilliant season with Liverpool before his injury(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
The procedure was carried out by American specialists, including the surgeon who performed the same operation on Boston Celtics basketball player Jayson Tatum when he suffered an identical injury.
Tatum sustained the injury during the second round of the NBA playoffs in May 2025, returning to action in March this year.
The report further states that Liverpool staff are satisfied with Ekitike's rehabilitation, and he has been focusing on developing his upper body strength to enable a swifter return to action once he is permitted to remove his protective boot.
OPINION
Ekitike has received encouraging messages from both his France and Liverpool colleagues, with France manager Didier Deschamps frequently telephoning him for updates, while he may shortly travel to the US to join the French squad at the World Cup.
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The Frenchman's injury has led to speculation Liverpool will look to sign a forward during the summer transfer window. With Mohamed Salah having left the club, the Reds are short of options up top, considering Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has also been heavily linked with a move, though the German side is standing firm on demanding a fee in excess of $100 million. A return for Darwin Nunez is not expected to materialize.