Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 15 April 2026 9:20, UK

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Hugo Ekitike could be set for a long period on the injury table after he was stretchered off in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to PSG on Tuesday.

The striker was forced off midway through the first half as the Reds were knocked out of Europe via Ousmane Dembele’s second-half brace.

Replays showed he had gone down off the ball, with the Liverpool forward appearing to get his foot caught in the turf.

Ekitike’s injury has left his place at the World Cup in serious doubt, with early analysis by injury experts indicating a significant issue.

Liverpool’s injury issues have been frequent this season, with several players dealing with long-term absences.

‘Achilles rupture’ likely for Hugo Ekitike

Speaking after Tuesday’s game, Arne Slot revealed concern over Ekitike’s injury, with the Liverpool manager confirming that it is “not too good”.

Ibrahima Konate also confirmed that the striker’s injury is a bad one, with further scans to take place in the coming days.

Ekitike has been a rare bright spot for the Reds this season after completing his £69million move from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

The 23-year-old has netted 17 goals in all competitions and is the only Liverpool player to net double figures in the Premier League.

All of the focus had been on £125m man Alexander Isak last summer, with it being unclear if the pair would jostle for position or play together.

Issues for the ex-Newcastle United striker have seen Ekitike dominate the position, however, with Liverpool fans left seriously impressed.

But the Frenchman’s injury is now set to hand Isak a run in the team that could well extend far into next season, due to its severity.

Injury expert Physio Scout wrote on X on Tuesday night that Ekitike could be expecting seven to nine months on the injury table.

“Typical non-contact push-off mechanism during acceleration usually points towards an Achilles rupture,” they wrote.

Doctor Rajpal Brar shared the opinion and wrote: “Looking at 7-9 month return to sport for elite footballers, longer return to pre-injury levels.”

Liverpool to be forced into market amid attacking deficit

Liverpool will have their fingers crossed that the early signs of a significant injury prove to be premature in Ekitike’s case.

Transfer chiefs were already facing the unenviable task of replacing Mohamed Salah this summer, and an absence that long would demand another signing.

Isak’s injuries this season have more than proved that he cannot be relied on by himself, with the Swede only making 11 Premier League appearances.

Several incomings may well be required, with decision-makers in for yet another busy summer at Anfield.