By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 20:47 BST, 14 April 2026 | Updated: 20:48 BST, 14 April 2026
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) - Hugo Ekitike was forced off with an injury in the first half of Liverpool's [Champions League](https://apnews.com/article/champions-league-matches-a7d34c364169942bedd66c75833a36bc) quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The France striker appeared to hurt his right ankle when he slipped in the 27th minute of the second-leg match at Anfield.
After receiving medical treatment, it was quickly determined he could not carry on and was taken off the field on a stretcher. He was replaced by Mohamed Salah.
The injury will be a concern for France ahead of this year's World Cup and could also be a blow to Liverpool in its bid to secure Champions League qualification.
Ekitike has been one of Liverpool's top players this season and has scored 19 goals for club and country. He scored for France in its 2-1 win against Brazil last month.
PSG´s Nuno Mendes also went off shortly before halftime for an unspecified issue, but he was able to leave the field unaided.
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike lies injured during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
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Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk checks on Hugo Ekitike during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike lies injured during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)