Hugo Ekitiké will miss the remainder of the season and the upcoming World Cup after sustaining a serious injury during Liverpool FC’s UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, April 14.
The 23-year-old striker suffered a suspected Achilles tendon rupture in the first half of Liverpool’s quarter-final second-leg defeat, an injury that could sideline him until next year.
While the full extent of the injury is yet to be officially confirmed, Ekitiké underwent medical scans on Wednesday, with the club expected to provide an update later this week.
However, France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has already ruled the forward out of contention for this summer’s World Cup.
“Hugo suffered a serious injury against PSG on Tuesday night,” Deschamps said. “Unfortunately, the severity of his injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and from taking part in the World Cup.”
France are scheduled to face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the group stage of the tournament in the United States.
Ekitiké has been in impressive form this season, emerging as Liverpool’s leading scorer with 17 goals across all competitions.
The forward joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer in a deal reportedly worth up to £79 million and has since established himself as a key figure in the club’s attacking line.