By Martin Graham
France Coach Didier Deschamps has announced this striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the next World Cup after a suspected Achilles injury suffered during Liverpool’s Defeat in the Champions League Paris Saint-Germain on tuesday
The 23-year-old was carried off on a stretcher at Anfield, with early signs suggesting a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Further medical scans are expected to clarify the extent of the damage, although initial fears point to a serious problem that could also affect the start of next season.
In a statement released by the French Football Federation, Deschamps acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, confirming that the striker will not return this season or participate in the World Cup. He highlighted how the player has adapted to the national team, both on and off the field, and described the injury as a significant loss for the squad.
Deschamps also voiced strong support for the young forward, highlighting both the player’s disappointment and the collective support of the coaching staff, while remaining confident that Ekitike will eventually return to top form.
Impressive shortened debut season
Ekitike joined Liverpool FC from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and quickly established himself as one of the club’s key contributors during a challenging campaign. He recorded 17 goals and six assists in all competitions, highlighting his importance to the team.
Earlier this year, he equaled a rare feat by becoming only the second Liverpool player after Kenny Dalglish to score in five different competitions in his first season with the club.
After the loss to PSG, manager Arne Slot admitted that the injury looked serious from the start. He pointed out that the striker had already left the stadium during the second half and highlighted how difficult it is to lose a player at such a crucial stage of the campaign, especially given the club’s ongoing injury struggles.
Liverpool have already faced multiple absences, including long-term injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, while Alisson Becker and Wataru Endo remain unavailable. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak recently returned from an ankle problem.
Uncertainty about the recovery schedule
The exact length of Ekitik’s recovery will depend on whether the Achilles injury is a partial or full tear, with estimates ranging from six months to potentially up to a year. This timeline could even delay its return until 2027.
Before the injury, the forward had been in fine form for France, making his debut last September and impressing during the last international break in the United States. He scored in a win against Brazil and also played against Colombia, strengthening his case for a prominent role in the national team.
There were expectations that he would start on the left of an attacking quartet alongside Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé in a 4-2-3-1 system at the World Cup.
His absence poses a significant challenge not only to France, but also to Liverpool’s planning. The club may have to consider bringing in another striker for next season, although this could create selection complications once Ekitike returns.
