Ekitike ruled out of World Cup as achilles injury deals major blow to France and Liverpool

Deschamps has confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the upcoming FIFA World Cup after sustaining a suspected Achilles injury during UEFA Champions League action between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Sport360NG reports. 

The 23-year-old forward was stretchered off at Anfield, with early indications pointing to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Liverpool are concerned the injury could not only end his current campaign but also impact the start of next season. Medical scans carried out on Wednesday are expected to determine the full extent of the damage.

In a statement released via the French Football Federation, Deschamps expressed both concern and support for the forward.

“Hugo suffered a serious injury against PSG, and unfortunately, its severity will prevent him from completing the season and participating in the World Cup,” Deschamps said.

“He had integrated seamlessly into the squad both on and off the pitch. This is a major setback for him and for the national team.”

Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last July, has been one of the club’s standout performers despite a challenging season. He has registered 17 goals and six assists across all competitions, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in attack.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted immediate concerns following the injury, noting the visible severity of the incident.

“It didn’t look good at all. We’ll wait for confirmation, but it’s clearly a tough moment, both for him and for us,” Slot said.

The setback continues a difficult season for Liverpool, who have already been hit by multiple injuries. Defenders Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley have been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker and midfielder Wataru Endo remain sidelined. Striker Alexander Isak only recently returned from injury.

Ekitike’s absence is also a significant blow to France’s World Cup ambitions. Having made his international debut last September, he was expected to play a prominent role in Deschamps’ plans for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The forward’s impressive form had positioned him as a likely starter in France’s attacking setup alongside players such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise.

While the exact recovery timeline remains uncertain, initial assessments suggest he could be sidelined for several months, depending on whether the injury is a partial or complete rupture. His absence leaves both club and country facing difficult decisions heading into the new season and a major international tournament.