Liverpool have confirmed the devastating news of a ruptured Achilles for Hugo Ekitike, who faces a long time on the sidelines.
Ekitike slipped on the turf in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain and needed to be stretchered off the pitch.
After undergoing scans the following day it has now been confirmed that the striker has suffered a rupture of the Achilles tendon, which is a serious injury.
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He has already been ruled out for the rest of the campaign along with the summer’s World Cup with France, but the expectation is that his recovery will extend well into next season.
The club are yet to confirm whether Ekitike will undergo surgery but that is almost certain to be the case given the specifics of the injury.
How long will Hugo Ekitike be out with Achilles rupture?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike lies on the floor Injured holding his ankle during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Early suggestions are that he could face between nine and 12 months out, which would rule him out until at least January 2027.
A worrying example comes in Ekitike’s former PSG team-mate Presnel Kimpembe, who ruptured his Achilles in February 2023 and did not play again until February 2025.
Liverpool have pledged their full support to the Frenchman in his recovery and explained that “further updates will be provided at the appropriate time.”
Will Liverpool sign another striker after Ekitike injury?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike is check up on by team-mates Milos Kerkez and captain Virgil van Dijk (R) as he stretchered off with a suspected Achilles injury during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In the immediate term it leaves Arne Slot with Alexander Isak as his only specialist centre-forward for the final month of the season.
Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa are also options up front and the Dutchman is almost certain to start against Everton on Sunday, as Isak continues to build up his minutes after returning from a broken leg earlier this month.
Slot could also look to the academy with 18-year-old Will Wright in excellent form in his debut season as part of Liverpool U21s.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot acknowledges Hugo Ekitike (R) after being substituted off during the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC at the Stade Vélodrome. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ekitike’s absence will clearly have a long-term impact and could even shift Liverpool’s plans for the summer transfer window, with the plan having been to strengthen out wide.
There is a chance they could now look to sign another striker to ease the burden on £125 million Isak, though the ideal solution would be to bring in a player capable of filling in across the forward line.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure are known targets while Anthony Gordon could emerge as an option as he considers leaving Newcastle.
Medical Recovery: Achilles Tendon Rupture
Timeline Rehab Phase Activity Level
Weeks 0–2 Post-Op Protection: Focus on wound healing. Non-weight bearing in a splint/cast. Total Immobilisation
Weeks 3–6 Early Loading: Walking boot with wedges. Gentle isometric contractions to slow calf atrophy. Partial weight-bearing
Weeks 7–12 Tendon Strengthening: Weaning off the boot. Focus on restoring normal gait and ankle mobility. Gym-based eccentric loading
Months 4–6 Impact Loading: Introduction of ‘Alter-G’ (anti-gravity) running and double-leg jumping. Return to outdoor running
Months 7–9 Sport-Specific: Plyometric drills, high-speed sprinting, and multi-directional ‘cutting’. Non-contact team training
Months 10+ Return to Play: Full competitive clearance. Calf power must be within 90% of the uninjured side. Full Match Fitness
The Verdict: While most players can ‘run’ after 6 months, the primary medical challenge with the Achilles is the loss of propulsion. It usually takes a full 12 months for a player to trust their calf enough to engage in the explosive 1v1 duels that Ekitike relies on.