Hugo Ekitike has been sidelined since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in April, but the Liverpool striker has been included in their Champions League squad this season.
The France international underwent successful surgery and is now recovering. Ekitike is expected to miss most of the 2026-27 season, with Andoni Iraola revealing in a press conference on September 3 that “Hugo will go later [than the September/October international break].”
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Ekitike has provided social media update as he continues to recover from the Achilles injury. The 24-year-old, who was pictured on crutches over the summer, posted a video of himself kicking a ball against a wall on Snapchat, suggesting he is making progress.
Some reports have suggested a return around Christmas, although Ekitike may need several matches to regain full fitness.
Ekitike was an important player for Arne Slot in his first season at Liverpool, contributing 23 goals and assists after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Under Andoni Iraola, he will hope to reach another level, but must first prove his fitness. When he returns, Ekitike looks an ideal fit for one of the two forward roles currently occupied by Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
His injury also ruled him out of the World Cup, a major blow for the 24-year-old, who was expected to be part of Didier Deschamps’ squad.
Ekitike said after missing out on the World Cup: “Obviously I’m in touch with them [the French players] but not a lot because they’re busy playing and I’m busy with my recovery.
“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.” Liverpool are expected to take no risks with Hugo Ekitike as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
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