Hugo Ekitike vows to return stronger after Liverpool’s Achilles setback

Hugo Ekitike has accepted the long road back after rupturing his Achilles in April, vowing to return better than ever for Liverpool and France.

What happened to Hugo Ekitike?

On 12 April 2026, during the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Ekitike suffered an Achilles tendon rupture. The 24-year-old striker joined Liverpool in summer 2025 for an initial £69m (€80m) plus up to £9m (€10m) in add-ons. His debut season ended with 23 goal contributions (17 goals, six assists) in 45 appearances across all competitions-only Dominik Szoboszlai’s 25 bettered that total.

Why it matters for Hugo Ekitike

The injury cost Ekitike a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Les Bleus face Spain in the semi-finals. In an interview with GQ Magazine, he admitted disappointment at missing both the World Cup and the end of his debut Liverpool season. “I wish I was there, but that’s life,” Ekitike said. “I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff.”

What comes next for Liverpool and Ekitike?

Ekitike is expected to miss most of the 2026-27 campaign while he rehabs. Liverpool have already moved to replace him, signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna and reportedly eyeing Bradley Barcola from PSG. Mohamed Salah’s nine-year stint at Anfield ended in May 2026, while Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate left on free transfers. Andoni Iraola’s first competitive game in charge comes on 23 August 2026 at Newcastle United, followed by a home tie against Nottingham Forest six days later.

How Ekitike is handling the challenge

Ekitike stays in touch with France teammates but keeps focus on recovery. “Obviously, I’m in touch with them, but not a lot because they’re busy playing,” he said. “That’s my challenge and I accepted it, so I’m happy for them and I hope they’re going to reach the final, win it, and bring the cup back to France.”