Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out for the rest of the season and this summer's World Cup
Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike receives medical attention as he lies injured during the UEFA Champions League quarter final, second-leg football match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike receives medical attention as he lies injured during the Champions League match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
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Hugo Ektike could have a very long and "horrible" road of recovery ahead of him after suffering a devastating Achilles tendon injury. The Liverpool striker will now miss the rest of the season and this summer's World Cup.
The 23-year-old was stretchered off early in Liverpool's Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening after losing his footing around half an hour into the quarter-final tie.
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, has sympathised with the French star, explaining how he suffered the same injury in the past. The ex-striker admitted that it could be close to a year before Reds fans get to see Ekitike in action again.
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"I've done that injury," Agbonlahor told co-host Andy Goldstein. "I did it playing badminton. It's not painful, it's weird, and it felt like I was running toward the net, it felt like something had landed on me, like a brick had hit me or landed on the back of my leg.
"I went down and I went hmm. I remember Jermaine Jenas doing his and saying it feels weird like someone's shot you. It's a weird feeling, the pain comes later on at the hospital when you have to put all the strappings on.
"I got [the pain] 12 hours afterward. I actually said to myself, 'I'm not going to A&E.' I actually carried on walking to the car on it, limping. But the rehab on it, horrible rehab on an Achilles tendon. And you're so scared when you come back to even run on it again, so nine months if he's lucky - it could be longer. So, they've got to replace Ekitike."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Hugo Ekitiké #22 of Liverpool FC reacts after his injury during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on April 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Liverpool has confirmed the extent of Ekitike's injury(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool have 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."
France boss Didier Deschamps, speaking 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.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Anfield on April 14, 2026 i
Ekitike has been a success since his summer move to Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
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"The severity of his injury will, unfortunately, prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup. His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I'm convinced of it."
Ekitike joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer for £69million and has gone on to score 17 goals in his maiden season at Anfield. The injury is a major blow for both the player and head coach Arne Slot, who has only just welcomed back fellow forward Alexander Isak, after he suffered a broken leg against Tottenham in December.
On X, Ekitike shared his feelings about the cruel setback. He posted: "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."
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