Franco-Cameroonian striker Hugo Ekitike suffers injury blow

France international of Cameroonian descent Hugo Ekitike suffered a devastating injury setback during the Champions League showdown between Liverpool and Paris Saint Germain.

The striker, who was forced off after the incident, is said to have sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon, leaving little room for optimism regarding a quick return.

According to reports, Ekitike, who joined Liverpool last summer is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines considering the severity of the injury sustained.

The former Frankfurt star is now expected to miss the rest of the campaign, with recovery timelines projected between nine and twelve months. Such a lengthy rehabilitation period not only rules him out of club action for the season but also casts serious doubt over his readiness for the impending World Cup.

Even under the most optimistic recovery scenario, Ekitike would require extensive rehabilitation before returning to full match fitness, meaning he is unlikely to feature in preseason preparations ahead of the next campaign.

The timing of the injury is particularly cruel, coming just as preparations intensify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. With the tournament schedule approaching, medical experts believe there is no realistic pathway for Ekitike to regain full fitness in time to be considered for selection.

For the young striker, the setback represents a major blow to both his club season and his international aspirations, halting what had been a promising trajectory at a critical stage in his career.