Andoni Iraola has said that while Hugo Ekitike is likely to be sidelined for a few more months, he could feature during Liverpool's final two Champions League League Phase matches in January
Hugo Ekitike winces in pain
Hugo Ekitike tore his Achilles against PSG last season(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has said there is "a reasonable chance" that striker Hugo Ekitike could feature for the Reds come January.
The French forward ruptured his Achilles tendon last season back in April in the Champions League, with Ekitike suffering the injury in a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. While Ekitike has already been sidelined for several months, he is still a long way off making it back onto the pitch for the Reds.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's weekend Premier League clash against Fulham, Iraola has said that Ekitike could return for the Reds final two Champions League League Phase matches in January.
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"It is difficult with long-term injuries. He [Ekitike] is still far [away from returning]," said Iraola.
"We had a meeting with the medical department, and there is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages, but it is still very early.
Iraola added, "There is still a big part of a rehab to go. but we put him in the squad because there is a hope and realistic chance that he could help us in January."
The timing of Ekitike's injury last season could not have been worse, with it leading to him missing France's World Cup campaign which he would have been a part of.
"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 in July.
"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."
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