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East Rutherford Today
By the People, for the People
Liverpool, France striker Hugo Ekitike out for 2026 World Cup
Reds forward suffers ruptured Achilles, expected to miss at least 9 months
Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:35pm
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An abstract, cubist interpretation of a devastating injury that will sideline a key player for France's World Cup hopes.East Rutherford TodayLiverpool and France striker Hugo Ekitike has sustained a ruptured right Achilles tendon and will miss at least nine months, including the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old was injured in the first half of Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Why it matters
Ekitike was a key player for both Liverpool and the French national team, and his absence will be a major blow for both squads. The injury casts doubt on his availability for the 2026 World Cup, which France is expected to be a contender to win.
The details
Ekitike was taken off the field on a stretcher after sustaining the injury. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he did not expect Ekitike to return this season. The striker signed with Liverpool last July after transferring from Eintracht Frankfurt, and he had 17 goals and 6 assists in 45 appearances in his first season with the Reds.
- Ekitike was injured in the first half of Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
- Ekitike is expected to miss at least 9 months due to the ruptured Achilles, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.
The players
Hugo Ekitike
A 23-year-old striker who plays for Liverpool and the French national team. He was a key player for both squads before sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon that will sideline him for at least 9 months.
Arne Slot
The manager of Liverpool, who said he did not expect Ekitike to return this season after the striker was injured in the Champions League match.
What they’re saying
“It doesn't look good. It's difficult for me to say how bad. [On Wednesday,] we will investigate this further. Let's see. This season [before Tuesday] we have played Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo together for just 88 minutes. We got another 27 minutes tonight. I will be surprised if there are any more minutes this season.”
— Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
What’s next
Ekitike will undergo further medical evaluation on Wednesday to determine the full extent of the injury and his recovery timeline. The French national team will also have to adjust its plans for the 2026 World Cup without the striker.
The takeaway
Ekitike's injury is a major setback for both Liverpool and the French national team, who were counting on the young striker's contributions. The long recovery timeline casts doubt on his availability for the 2026 World Cup, which will be a significant loss for a French squad expected to be among the tournament favorites.
