Liverpool Striker Hugo Ekitike Ruptures Achilles, Faces Nine-Month Layoff and Misses 2026 World Cup

Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Liverpool's Champions League loss to PSG.

“France international Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain”

Al Jazeera

He was stretchered off after grabbing his right ankle in the 27th minute at Anfield.

Al Jazeera

Arne Slot said, Not too good. We could all see it didn't look good.

The injury was confirmed as a rupture by French outlet L'Equipe.

Ibrahima Konaté said, I think it is bad. With the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him.

Ekitike had scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season.

Ekitike's injury is a devastating blow for Liverpool.

Slot lamented, Losing a player is something we've had many times this season.

BBC

The injury ends Ekitike's World Cup hopes two months before the tournament.

Ekitike had become a key figure in Deschamps' plans after eight caps and two goals for France.

The Guardian noted that European fashion retailers face scrutiny after a factory fire in Bangladesh.

Rahman Textile produced clothing for brands including Hessen and BrandBox.

The usual recovery timeline for an Achilles rupture is around nine months.

“- Published Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a suspected Achilles injury during Liverpool's Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain on Tuesday”

BBC

Players can often run after six months but it takes 12 months to regain explosive power.

Ekitike had emerged as one of Liverpool's most reliable attacking outlets.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman was detained.