Hugo Ekitike's first season at Liverpool has ended early with a serious injury that will keep him out of the World Cup
Hugo Ekitke's season is over
Hugo Ekitke's season is over(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool have confirmed that Hugo Ekitike will miss the rest of the season and also this summer's World Cup, after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
The 23-year-old French international had to be stretchered off after falling to the ground during the first half of the Reds' Champions League second-leg encounter with Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday evening.
Head coach Arne Slot had feared that his summer signing had suffered a serious injury, and a statement from France boss Didier Deschamps on Wednesday confirmed that the forward would miss the World Cup.
The Les Bleus coach said: "Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG. The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup.
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“His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I'm convinced of it."
Liverpool have now confirmed the nature of the injury on their official website.
Publishing a short statement on Thursday morning, it said: "Liverpool FC can confirm Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious Achilles injury.
"The forward had to be substituted during the first half of Tuesday's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after a slip on the turf.
"Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.
"Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer's World Cup with France.
"Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time, with Hugo receiving the full support of everyone at LFC."
Ekitike joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer in a £69m deal and has gone on to score 17 goals in his debut season.
The injury is a huge blow for both the player and Slot, who has only just benefited from the return to fitness of fellow striker Alexander Isak, who suffered a broken leg against Tottenham in December.
It leaves the Reds short in attack once more, with a trip to city rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby up next on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool have six Premier League matches left to play this season as they look to secure a top-five finish, and with it, qualification for next season's Champions League.