Hugo Ekitike breaks silence as Liverpool confirms heartbreaking injury news

Liverpool has confirmed Hugo Ekitike has suffered a serious Achilles injury, having been stretchered off during the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain

Hugo Ekitike has addressed his injury for the first time(Image: Getty Images)

Hugo Ekitike has spoken out for the first time on his injury following the devastating news that he will miss this summer’s World Cup.

The Liverpool striker had to be stretchered off during the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. There was obvious concern for Ekitike after he went down unchallenged and was unable to return to his feet as he looked to be in clear pain.

France boss Didier Deschamps went on to reveal that Ekitike will miss this summer’s World Cup, with Liverpool confirming the full extent of his injury on Thursday.

The club has stated that the 23-year-old sustained a “serious” Achilles injury which will see him the Reds’ six remaining games this season, as well as the World Cup in North America.

Scans conducted on the injury showed a rupture of the Achilles tendon. The statement from Liverpool added: “Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time, with Hugo receiving the full support of everyone at LFC.”

Ekitike has now taken to Instagram to post for the first time since suffering the injury, sending a message directly to supporters alongside a picture of himself sitting alone on the pitch at Anfield.

"It’s hard, maybe even unfair… but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you," he posted. "I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield."

With Ekitike confirmed to be missing for the remainder of the season, Liverpool boss Arne Slot will now have to find a way to navigate the Reds’ remaining games without their top scorer.

Alexander Isak’s return from injury will come as a boost, although the 26-year-old looked short of fitness when he started against PSG on Tuesday.

Speaking about Ekitike’s injury, Slot said after the game: “We could all see it didn't look good. In the second half, he went home, so I haven't seen him yet.

"Losing a game is already very hard, especially in the way we lost it, but then again, as it seems to be, losing a player is something we've had so many times this season, but it's especially very hard for him, because you never wanna be injured, especially at this moment in the season."

Liverpool.com says: It’s a devastating blow for Ekitike after what has been a great first season at Liverpool. He was making real strides with France as well, and no doubt would have been on the plane to the World Cup, and may have had a big part to play at the tournament.

Fingers crossed he doesn’t miss too much of the start of next season, but it looks as though Liverpool will have to plan for his absence in the 2026/27 campaign.