Hugo Ekitike Faces Race Against Time After Achilles Scare in Liverpool's Champions League Exit
Hugo Ekitike’s season—and possibly his World Cup hopes—are in serious jeopardy after he went down with a suspected Achilles injury during Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. The striker collapsed in the 35th minute clutching his right lower leg and had to be substituted, with manager Arne Slot admitting post-match that the situation “doesn’t look good.”
Scans are scheduled for Wednesday to determine the full extent of the damage, but early fears point toward a potential rupture—a devastating blow not just for Liverpool’s attacking options but also for France’s national team plans ahead of the summer tournament.
A Double Blow for Liverpool’s Attack
Ekitike’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. He was forced off just as Liverpool were trying to mount a comeback in their Champions League quarter-final second leg. To make matters worse, his replacement wasn’t another natural striker—Mohamed Salah came on, leaving the Reds without a true number nine for the remainder of the match.
Adding another layer of frustration: Alexander Isak, returning from a broken leg suffered in December, made his first start of the season that same night. But his performance was underwhelming—he looked rusty and was subbed at halftime. That means Liverpool effectively played more than half the game with no recognized center forward on the pitch.
Arne Slot tried to stay optimistic about Isak’s return (“The good thing is Alex is back”) but offered little comfort regarding Ekitike. His tone suggested the club is preparing for the worst.
What This Means for the Merseyside Derby
Liverpool’s next fixture is the final Merseyside derby of the season against Everton this Sunday—at the newly renamed Hill Dickinson Stadium (formerly Goodison Park). With Ekitike likely out and Isak still regaining match fitness, the Reds’ striking depth is razor-thin.
Possible solutions? Diogo Jota could be rushed back if fit, or Darwin Núñez might lead the line alone. Alternatively, Slot may opt for a front three with Salah, Luis Díaz, and Cody Gakpo—sacrificing a traditional target man for pace and pressing.
But beyond tactics, there’s a bigger concern: Ekitike’s absence could derail Liverpool’s top-four push in the Premier League. Every point matters now, and losing your in-form striker mid-April is a massive setback.
World Cup Implications for France
Ekitike has been one of France’s most promising young forwards this season, earning regular call-ups and even starting in recent qualifiers. If scans confirm a ruptured Achilles, his recovery timeline would almost certainly rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.
That opens the door for alternatives like Randal Kolo Muani or Jean-Philippe Mateta—but it’s a significant loss for Didier Deschamps, who had reportedly been counting on Ekitike’s blend of pace, hold-up play, and finishing.
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday’s medical results. Until then, both Liverpool and the French national team are holding their breath.
Key takeaways:
- Hugo Ekitike suffered a suspected Achilles injury in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League loss to PSG.
- Scans on Wednesday will determine severity; early signs suggest a possible rupture.
- Alexander Isak returned from injury but was ineffective, leaving Liverpool without a reliable striker.
- The injury jeopardizes Ekitike’s availability for the Merseyside derby and potentially the World Cup.
- Liverpool may have to rely on makeshift attacking setups in crucial upcoming matches.
— Editorial Team
