Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is continuing to recover from a long-term Achilles injury and he will be out for a long time yet, even as he works hard away from the pitch
18:13, 06 Jul 2026
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike sitting on the bench at Anfield.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike sitting on the bench at Anfield.(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike is still set to be sidelined for some time yet, but the Liverpool man is continuing to work on his recovery from a serious Achilles injury.
Twenty-four-year-old Ekitike has been working with the German physio Berengar Buschmann in Los Angeles this summer. Various updates have emerged in the last week or so via Instagram, documenting the latest on the process and showcasing some of the exercises being used.
In the latest snippet, Ekitike was looking to walk normally again after weeks of being on crutches. He was spotted using a protective boot when he made an appearance at Anfield on the final day of last season.
"Getting out of the boot is one milestone," the caption on the social media post 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."
The full process will take a high level of patience as Ekitike rebuilds the strength in his lower body. It was suggested last month that he was aiming for a return to action around Christmas time.
A post a few days ago showed a variety of exercises that Ekitike has been doing, with some supported by crutches and others without them.
Hugo Ekitike has been working on his rehabilitation from his ruptured Achilles with a physiotherapist in Los Angeles (Instagram)(Image: Berengar Buschmann Instagram)
Several were based on weight and pressure being applied and then taken off the impacted leg to build strength back up again.
There were also exercises done in a swimming pool, which takes the weight off their feet and allows players to slowly put together the movements they need to get fit again.
Elsewhere, Wataru Endo missed the World Cup because of injury. Conor Bradley is on the recovery path following a long-term issue of his own.
Center-back Giovanni Leoni is expected to take part in pre-season training after his ACL injury almost a year ago.
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Liverpool.com says: Even if Ekitike can come back halfway through next term, the Frenchman might take some time to get back up to match speed.
That is just one of many reasons that Liverpool needs to make more attacking signings before the new season kicks off. It simply cannot afford to leave itself light of numbers.
Victor Munoz has arrived, but Mohamed Salah has left. More numbers in wide areas are required, with someone like Cody Gakpo then able to move inside and help Alexander Isak at number nine.