Hugo Ekitike is ruled out of the World Cup with France after a suspected ruptured right Achilles tendon, with the France Football Federation confirming the serious injury on Wednesday and early estimates suggesting the Liverpool forward could spend around nine months on the sidelines.
The problem occurred at Anfield during Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, where Ekitike went down without contact midway through the first half, left the field on a stretcher, and PSG reached the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Liverpool have not yet released a detailed medical update on the Hugo Ekitike injury, but the absence of the 23-year-old for the rest of the campaign is a major setback to their Premier League
top-five ambitions, especially as Ekitike has produced 17 goals and six assists across all competitions in a strong first season, with Liverpool currently sitting fifth in the table.
France head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the long-term outlook for the Hugo Ekitike injury, stating: "Unfortunately, the severity of [Ekitike's] injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup," before adding: "This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team. I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff. "
France and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate offered a personal reaction to the Hugo Ekitike injury on Tuesday, saying: "I think it is bad. I don't know, I have heard many things. I have no word to talk about that because, with the World Cup coming, it is very, very hard for him, and I send him my prayers. "
The immediate concern around the Hugo Ekitike injury was also reflected by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot through the club's social channels, which stressed that further assessment was needed before confirming the exact diagnosis.
Arne Slot says the Reds must wait to see the extent of Hugo Ekitike's injury after the forward was stretchered off against PSG.Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2026
The confirmed Hugo Ekitike injury leaves France without a key attacking option for the upcoming World Cup and removes one of Liverpool's most productive forwards during a decisive period, leaving both Didier Deschamps and Arne Slot needing alternative plans as they adjust their squads and tactical choices for the challenges ahead.
