Hugo Ekitike Ruled Out for Season and World Cup with Serious Achilles Injury

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the remainder of the season and the World Cup after suffering a severe Achilles injury. The 23-year-old was forced off during the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and subsequent scans confirmed the rupture. Ekitike's recovery time is expected to be at least six months, potentially up to nine months. France head coach Didier Deschamps expressed his support for the player, stating that Ekitike's disappointment is immense but he is convinced the striker will regain his top form. The injury is a significant blow for Liverpool, who are aiming to secure a Champions League spot, and comes at a crucial time with Alexander Isak recently returning from a serious leg injury. Ekitike has scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m last summer.