Liverpool’s Champions League elimination to Paris Saint-Germain was further overshadowed by a major injury to Hugo Ekitike, who was stretchered off at Anfield after suffering what has now been confirmed as a serious Achilles problem.
The French striker collapsed off the ball while chasing a pass around the half-hour mark, immediately signalling for medical assistance as players from both sides urgently called for the physios. He was treated on the pitch for several minutes before being carried off in visible distress, with the Anfield crowd offering a subdued round of applause. He was replaced by Mohamed Salah.
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted the injury looked severe, saying the situation “looks really bad” and confirming that early indications were “not good at all.”
Reports from L’Équipe have since confirmed that Ekitike suffered a rupture of the right Achilles tendon. The injury is expected to require surgery followed by a lengthy recovery period of around nine months in the case of a full rupture.
The setback effectively ends his season and represents a major blow for Liverpool, while also dealing a serious setback to France’s national team plans, with his hopes of featuring at the upcoming World Cup now in major doubt.
