After an impressive start at Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike’s injury reshapes the story
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rush The Kop or go back to LFC Live.
This means that the Frenchman will not only miss the rest of this season and the World Cup, his first opportunity to represent his nation at the world stage, but he will likely miss the first half of next season with this injury having an expected rehabilitation between 7-9 months.The InjuryEkitike has been a shining light of this poor season, with 17 goals and 6 assists to his name he has been a talismanic figure for this new look Liverpool attack. FBL-EUR-C1-LIVERPOOL-PSG | FRANCK FIFE/GettyImagesThe Achilles is a vital tendon just below your calf and is used in every movement with your legs, so a lot of force and load is put through it and unfortunately for Ekitike it led to him rupturing it.Sports Science coach and LFC fan, Simon Brundish wrote about this injury, stating that compared to his last season at Frankfurt, where Ekitike averaged 28 sprints a game and 750 metres of high-speed running as he “lived in chaos”, Ekitike has seen a big drop off in his explosive work this year.
His tendon wasn’t used to the load it was being put through during the 29 minutes he played and eventually it gave way.A look at his first Liverpool campaignAs mentioned prior, Ekitike has notched 23 goal contributions in all competitions this season, showing why LFC splashed £70 million on him last summer. Liverpool FC v Galatasaray SK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg | Alex Livesey - Danehouse/GettyImagesWith his ability to delicately place a finish or smash the ball with conviction, he has shown a variety of skills when in front of goal, although his goalscoring has taken the headlines this season, it has to be said that the 6 ft 3 inch striker has unbelievable ability with the ball at his feet.
Mo Salah was another who benefitted from Ekitike being the vocal point, with Mo’s vision often looking to pick out the striker who is a willing runner and big target.The FutureHe will play a big part of next season if he recovers well and can get back to match sharpness quickly, with November/December as the best-case scenario for his return to action. After taking time to reflect on his season and wishing him the best in his recovery, focus automatically shifts to this summer and what LFC will do to make up for the big hole Hugo leaves during his time on the sidelines.Liverpool FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg | Gaspafotos/MB Media/GettyImagesIn my opinion I believe that LFC will look to keep Cody Gakpo for another season, something I don’t think they would have done if Ekitike did not pick up this horrible injury.