Hugo Ekitike has undergone successful surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles, with the Liverpool striker’s long recovery process now beginning back at home.
Ekitike is expected to miss the remainder of 2026 after rupturing his Achilles against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, but his recovery has had a positive start.
The 23-year-old required surgery to correct the damage sustained while attempting a sprint in the first half of the 2-0 loss at Anfield – which has now taken place successfully.
He shared a series of photos on his Instagram on Tuesday, including from hospital and then back home as his recovery begins.
“I’m out of here,” Ekitike captioned, quoting the rapper Mac Miller. “I’ll be back soon.”
His initial downtime will take place at home, with Ekitike unable to use his right leg for movement and therefore using a walker scooter to get around.
This has included PlayStation and basketball sessions, while the striker also revealed a shaved head – the latest in a string of new looks in his time at Liverpool.
Ekitike’s recovery will be overseen by Liverpool’s medical and rehab staff but the process will be a long one, with a nine-to-12-month return timeframe viewed as an initial target.
In reality his comeback may not be for even longer, with a number of examples of players not making a full recovery for years – including PSG team-mate Presnel Kimpembe, who spent two years out.
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)
Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure ruptured his Achilles in November 2023, and though he made his return in time for the start of the following season, he has only played 515 minutes of senior football in two-and-a-half years since.
Speaking soon after Ekitike’s injury, Arne Slot backed his No. 22 to “come back even stronger” with the experience gained from his time away.
“Your first thoughts are with him, being out for such a long time, missing out on so many special moments,” Slot told reporters last week.
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.
“But he’s not the first or the last player who has experienced something like this at the start of his career.
“There are so many examples of players that came back even stronger and that’s the challenge he has now.
“I’m 100 percent sure he will be one of those that in 10, 15 years’ time will say maybe his injury even helped him to become stronger, to become even more ready to perform at an even higher level than he did before.”