Liverpool Star Hugo Ekitike Set To Miss World Cup After Serious Injury In PSG Clash

Liverpool Star Hugo Ekitike Set to Miss World Cup After Serious Injury in PSG Clash Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the upcoming FIFA World Cup after suffering a serious Achilles injury during his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 23-year-old striker sustained the injury during Liverpool’s quarter-final second-leg encounter against PSG at Anfield on Tuesday night, forcing him to leave the pitch on a stretcher in visible pain. Initial medical reports indicate that Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon one of the most severe injuries for a footballer which typically requires between nine and 12 months of recovery. The injury occurred when the forward collapsed off the ball while attempting to chase a pass, clutching his heel before receiving immediate medical attention. Liverpool went on to lose the match 2-0 on the night, exiting the Champions League with a 4-0 aggregate defeat to the French champions. The lengthy recovery period effectively rules Ekitike out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dealing a major blow to both Liverpool and the French national team.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the injury as serious, admitting after the match that “it doesn’t look good,” while teammates also expressed concern over the striker’s condition. Ekitike joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2025 and has enjoyed an impressive debut season, scoring 17 goals across all competitions. The forward had been expected to play a key role for France at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most challenging injuries in professional football, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation before a player can return to full fitness. The injury represents a significant setback for Liverpool’s attacking options and a personal blow to Ekitike, who was on course to feature prominently on the global stage at the World Cup.

For France, his absence could impact squad depth as they prepare for the tournament, while Liverpool must now adjust their lineup for the remainded.