Liverpool confirm Ekitike's Achilles injury

Hugo Ekitike could be out for the remainder of 2026 as Liverpool confirmed the forward has sustained a serious Achilles injury.

Ekitike had to be taken off on a stretcher during the first half of Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arne Slot conceded after the match that the injury looked to be a bad one, while reports surfaced on Wednesday that Ekitike had ruptured his Achilles tendon.

France subsequently confirmed Ekitike would miss this summer's World Cup, and Liverpool have now revealed the 23-year-old is indeed set for a long spell on the sidelines.

A Liverpool statement read: "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."

Ekitike has scored 17 goals and managed six assists in all competitions in his first season with Liverpool.

The Reds have at least welcomed back club-record signing Alexander Isak back into the fold in recent games, after he returned to fitness following a broken leg.

Liverpool, who sit fifth in the Premier League, face rivals Everton in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.