Hugo Ekitike says the “strength and love” of Liverpool fans will inspire him to recover from his “unfair” season-ending Achilles injury.
Ekitike faces a long spell on the sidelines and will miss this summer’s World Cup with France after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Paris St Germain at Anfield.
Posting a picture of himself sitting in a chair on the Anfield pitch, Ekitike told Liverpool supporters on X: “It’s hard, maybe even unfair.
“But I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I’m not alone.
“Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield.”
Liverpool had earlier confirmed the severity of Ekitike’s injury after France boss Didier Deschamps revealed on Wednesday that the 23-year-old striker would miss the World Cup.
A club statement 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 St Germain at Anfield after a slip on the turf.
“Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.
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)
“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, a £69 million summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, was carried from the field on a stretcher, 31 minutes into Tuesday’s game.
He has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season.
How long will Hugo Ekitike be out with Achilles rupture?
The expectation is that Ekitike’s recovery will take between nine and 12 months, which means his earliest return date would be January 2027 and the latest April 2027.
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.