Liverpool have been dealt a major setback after Hugo Ekitike was reportedly ruled out for up to nine months with a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Gistreel understands.
The France international was stretchered off in the first half at Anfield, with early concerns now confirmed as a serious long-term injury that ends his season and sidelines him for a significant part of the next campaign.
Season ends in devastating fashion
Goal, quoting L’Equipe reports that Ekitike ruptured his right Achilles in a non-contact incident, collapsing in visible pain before being replaced by Mohamed Salah.
The injury occurred during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat on the night, as they exited the competition 4-0 on aggregate.
Manager Arne Slot had already signalled concern immediately after the match.
“I think we could all see that it didn’t look well and didn’t look good,” Slot said. “Let’s wait and see what it will be. But we could all see it didn’t look good.”
The diagnosis now confirms Liverpool’s worst fears, with the 23-year-old facing a lengthy rehabilitation period.
World Cup hopes over
The timing of the injury is particularly damaging, ruling Ekitike out of France’s plans for the upcoming World Cup. It also interrupts what had been a productive debut season following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
He finishes the campaign with 17 goals and six assists in 45 appearances, having established himself as a key attacking outlet.
Liverpool forced into rethink
Ekitike’s absence leaves a significant gap in Liverpool’s frontline at a crucial stage of the season. Despite registering 21 shots against PSG, Slot’s side failed to score, highlighting ongoing issues in attack.
Attention now shifts to their domestic campaign, with a high-stakes clash against Everton looming. Liverpool, currently pushing for a top-five finish, must secure Champions League qualification while tackling the loss of their leading forward.
Slot is expected to lean on options such as Cody Gakpo and Salah as the club recalibrates its attack.