Hugo Ekitike's former team makes gesture after Liverpool star's horror injury

• 

• Liverpool FC News
• Features
• Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the rest of the season and the World Cup after suffering a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon in Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

Hugo Ekitike appears to have suffered a serious injury(Image: Getty Images)

Reims has sent a touching tribute to its former academy product Hugo Ekitike following the devastating injury he sustained during Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old was carried off the pitch on a stretcher with a suspected Achilles injury, and now faces a prolonged absence from soccer. French publications Le Parisien and L'Equipe both report that Ekitike has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg, an injury that could sideline him for as long as nine months.

Taking to Instagram, the club's official account wrote: "Launched at full speed towards the World Cup, only one injury could cut your momentum... You'll come back stronger Hugo, get well soon."

Ekitike progressed through Reims' youth academy, spending 10 years there before making his senior bow at 18. He went on to net 11 goals in 28 outings before joining PSG.

While Liverpool is yet to confirm the full extent of his injury, France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed the striker will be absent from this summer's World Cup.

In a statement, Deschamps said: "Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG.

Didier Deschamps claimed that Ekitike is out of the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

"The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup.

"Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months.

"He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it.

"This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team.

"His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I'm convinced of it.

"But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff.

"We know he'll be fully behind the France team, and we're all thinking of him very strongly."

Speculation has emerged suggesting Ekitike's injury may impact Liverpool's transfer strategy, while Arne Slot has also acknowledged his players face a "challenge" as they prepare to progress without Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.