Ekitike Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Injury

Hugo Ekitike, a 23-year-old striker for Liverpool FC, has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup following an Achilles tendon injury sustained during a Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. Ekitike was taken off the pitch on a stretcher just 22 minutes into the quarter-final second leg at Anfield.

A source close to the French international reported that medical scans conducted on Wednesday would determine whether the injury is a full or partial rupture. Typically, recovery from such injuries takes between nine to twelve months.

Although Liverpool has not yet released an official statement regarding the injury, it is seen as a significant setback for both the club, which is striving for a top-five finish in the Premier League, and the French national team, where Ekitike was expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp acknowledged the situation does not look good, while teammate Ibrahima Konate expressed concern over the serious impact of Ekitike's injury on his World Cup hopes.

The club is reportedly preparing a treatment plan that will include surgery followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process.