Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike is expected to be sidelined for at least six months due to a suspected Achilles injury. France head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that Ekitike will miss the World Cup, describing the injury as 'serious.' The player will undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage, with the worst-case scenario being a nine-month absence.
Ekitike suffered the injury during the 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, which sealed Liverpool's 4-0 aggregate quarter-final defeat. Deschamps expressed his support for Ekitike, saying, 'Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months. He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it.
This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team.' Ekitike's absence is a significant setback for Liverpool, who have struggled with injuries throughout the season. The team's manager, Arne Slot, gave an initial assessment of the injury, saying, 'Hugo looks really bad but it's difficult for me to say how bad.' Ekitike's teammate, Ibrahima Konate, also expressed his concern, saying, 'I'm very sad for him. I think it is bad. I don't know.
I send him my prayers and everything.' Ekitike has scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season, after signing from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m last summer. The injury is a significant blow to Liverpool's attack, which has been hindered by injuries to key players, including Alexander Isak, who recently returned from a serious leg injury.