Liverpool confirm extent of Hugo Ekitike Achilles injury

Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Liverpool confirm the extent of the injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain.

The France international was stretchered off in visible distress during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final at Anfield following a non-contact incident.

Ekitike appeared to lose his footing on the turf while chasing a loose ball, leading to an immediate medical intervention and his subsequent withdrawal from the match.

While manager Arne Slot failed to give details after the game, teammate Ibrahima Konate confirmed that the injury looks bad.

Liverpool have now issued a formal update on Thursday, confirming the worst-case scenario for the 23-year-old following medical assessments.

The diagnosis represents a massive setback for the player, who had been in scintillating form, having registered 17 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season.

Hugo Ekitike carried off the pitch after suffering an achilles tendon injury against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Liverpool statement read: “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.”

Expressing the club’s commitment to his recovery, the statement continued: “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.”

Widely tipped to lead the line for France this summer, the timing of the rupture means Ekitike will miss the opportunity to represent his country on the world stage.

Ekitike is expected to undergo corrective surgery immediately before embarking on a rehabilitation programme that will likely keep him sidelined until the early stages of 2027.