Hugo Ekitike called 'one of the best strikers in Europe' as injury message sent

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Hugo Ekitike sustained a ruptured Achilles in Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, and former Reds striker Michael Owen has expressed his sadness

Hugo Ekitike faces an extended absence after the injury(Image: Getty Images)

Michael Owen has expressed that he is "gutted" for Hugo Ekitike after the striker's season was devastated by a ruptured Achilles tendon last week.

Liverpool star Ekitike sustained the injury during the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Reds' Champions League quarterfinal on April 14 and now faces a lengthy rehabilitation process.

The France international, who has since been discharged from the hospital and is currently wearing a foot brace, will also miss the World Cup, with some reports suggesting he could be sidelined for the remainder of the calendar year as he works toward full fitness.

Owen believes the 17-goal Ekitike has demonstrated he is among Europe's finest strikers during his debut season at Anfield, and expressed his sorrow at witnessing the Reds' No. 22's campaign end in such devastating circumstances.

"How gutted am I for Hugo Ekitike? Very much so," Owen, who now represents Casino.org — a leading platform helping players find UK casino brands — told the Liverpool ECHO.

"I'm hugely upset for him and gutted for him and everyone at Liverpool.

Michael Owen hopes to see Ekitike back soon(Image: Getty Images)

"I believe this season he was one of the top five strikers in Europe with the way he was playing.

"He is elite and was showing strong signs of this throughout the season.

"He can make things happen and his speed, quick thinking and awareness were clear to see, so it's a huge shame Liverpool will miss him now and also for his World Cup ambitions too.

"I hope he can be ready for the start of next season as from what he has shown, he has a bright future at Liverpool."

Ekitike signed for the Reds last July from Eintracht Frankfurt and is the club's top scorer this term.

The Frenchman scored 17 goals and provided six assists across 45 games for Liverpool.

His impressive form for Liverpool saw him make his senior debut for France last September, scoring two goals in eight appearances since.

Liverpool's season resumes on Saturday, as the Reds take on Crystal Palace at Anfield.