Liverpool have confirmed that Hugo Ekitike has suffered a severe Achilles injury and could miss the remainder of 2026, ruling the forward out of the rest of the club season and ending any hope of featuring for France at the World Cup.

Ekitike was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, and Arne Slot admitted afterwards that the problem appeared serious, before reports on Wednesday stated the 23-year-old had ruptured an Achilles tendon.

France then announced that Ekitike would not be available for this summer’s World Cup, and Liverpool later validated those fears by confirming the rupture, meaning the forward now faces a long rehabilitation period away from competitive action for both club and country.

“Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon. Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer’s World Cup with France. Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time, with Hugo receiving the full support of everyone at LFC.”

The loss of Ekitike is a major setback after an impressive first campaign at Liverpool, with 17 goals and six assists in all competitions, although the squad has recently been boosted by the return of club-record signing Alexander Isak, who is back after recovering from a broken leg.

Liverpool, currently fifth in the Premier League, now prepare for the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday against rivals Everton, with selection plans in attack reshaped by Ekitike’s absence as the club attempts to maintain momentum in domestic competition.