Hugo Ekitike‘s bid to walk unaided and with a natural gait has been shared and celebrated by his physio as his recovery continues in the United States.
Ekitike has been working with German physio Berengar Buschmann in Los Angeles this summer, with a handful of updates in the last week showing exercises to strengthen the striker’s Achilles.
The latest video posted on Buschmann’s Instagram notes an important step in the Frenchman’s recovery: the bid to walk naturally again after months using crutches and a protective boot.
And Ekitike looked overjoyed at his progress!
“Getting out of the boot is one milestone,” the caption read. “Seeing your gait slowly become more natural is another.
“The process continues. Every detail matters. Every progression is earned. Stay patient. Stay criteria-based.”
Due to the severe nature of an Achilles rupture, every phase of Ekitike’s recovery must be meticulously managed to avoid any sudden loading on the repaired tendon.
It takes patience to rebuild confidence and the ability to walk normally again, with small steps, such as walking on small up slopes and down slopes, and weaning off the crutches once able.
As the weeks tick by, Ekitike will be aiming to have good balance and be close to a normal walking gait, but he will still need to be careful as he builds his strength back up at the surgery site.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike on the pitch with crutches after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended 1-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The 24-year-old is reportedly eyeing a return to competitive action on Boxing Day, in just over five months’ time, but it remains to be seen if that timeline is possible for the striker.
In his absence, Liverpool currently have Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa and new signing Victor Munoz to call on as natural forwards in Andoni Iraola‘s squad.