Hugo Ekitike has taken a notable step forward in his recovery from a long-term Achilles injury, beginning light ball work as his rehabilitation continues in Los Angeles.
The Frenchman ruptured his Achilles in mid-April, signing the striker up to a long-term recovery programme that is expected to see him sidelined for eight-and-a-half months.
Ekitike has been with German physio Berengar Buschmann in Los Angeles this summer after undergoing surgery on his right Achilles.
The pair have worked together previously, with Buschmann now overseeing his recovery. A video posted on social media by Buschmann shows off what they have got up to so far.
From weight-bearing exercises to hydrotherapy and light ball work, Ekitike is starting to rebuild muscle strength and flexibility after wearing a protective boot and using crutches since sustaining the injury.
While ball work is typically seen as a big step in recovery, for Ekitike it is about rebuilding tendon strength for explosive power and trusting his body not to fail him.
He is not expected to return for Liverpool until 2027, but French outlet L’Equipe reported last month that the striker is targeting a return on Boxing Day, against Hull.
The 24-year-old wants to return to team training by autumn, which would fall seven to eight months after he was stretchered off against Paris Saint-Germain.
It would be an improvement on the nine-to-12-month timeline initially predicted, but the seriousness of the injury ensures Liverpool will not rush the striker back.
It is worth noting that 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.
There is evidently no shortage of motivation for Ekitike’s rehab, and it would be a big boost for Liverpool to have their striker back sooner rather than later, especially if they do not add to their centre-forward ranks this summer.