Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has offered a social media update amid his injury recovery, with the former PSG and Eintracht Frankfurt man still some way off a return to action
Hugo Ekitike posted a video on Snapchat where he is kicking a ball against a wall.
Hugo Ekitike posted a video on Snapchat where he is kicking a ball against a wall.(Image: Hugo Ekitike // Snapchat)
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has posted another update on social media as he continues to recover from a long-term injury sustained in last season's Champions League.
EKitike ruptured his Achilles tendon against PSG in April and has been sidelined for several months already. He is expected to be absent for several more yet with the road to recovery a long one. Some reports have suggested a target return around Christmas time, though it may take a few matches to get back up to full speed even when he recovers.
Pictured over the summer on crutches, though, Ekitike does appear to be making some progress. The 24-year-old posted a video of himself kicking a ball against a wall on Snapchat.
Ekitike was an important player for Arne Slot during his first season at Liverpool, contributing a combined 23 goals and assists after arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Under Andoni Iraola, he will hope to hit the next level again, though Ekitike will have to prove his fitness first. When he is back, he looks like an ideal fit for one of the two forward roles currently being occupied by Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Speaking to The Athletic, Dr. Andrew J. Elliott — a foot and ankle surgeon who works with the consultant on Ekitike’s surgery, Dr. Martin O’Malley — warned in July that the recovery process could go on for some time.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"Soon, he may be able to start on an anti-gravity treadmill, walking and possibly light jogging," Dr. Elliott said. "Recovery can often be a longer process than people expect.
"Following physical therapy guidance is essential as pushing too fast and too soon could stretch out the Achilles, leading to permanent weakness or the risk of a re-rupture.
"Leaning on trainers and care teams, taking advice from others who have gone through it, and trusting the recovery timeline is so important. The focus must be on progress rather than what they can’t do yet."
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Ekitike's injury meant that he had to sit out the World Cup, which was a major blow for the forward, who would have been part of Didier Deschamps's squad.
"Obviously I'm in touch with them (the France squad) but not a lot because they're busy playing and I'm busy with my recovery," he told GQ.
"I wish I was there, but that's life. I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff.
"That's my challenge and I accepted it so I’m happy for them and I hope they're going to reach the final, win it, and bring the cup back to France."