Hugo Ekitike social media post perfectly sums up Liverpool striker's injury woes
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesHugo EkitikeHugo Ekitike marked his 24th birthday on social media, although the Liverpool striker didn't seem to be in the mood to celebrate after being ruled out of the World CupHugo Ekitike is set for a long injury layoff after rupturing his Achilles(Image: Getty Images)Hugo Ekitike didn’t appear to be enjoying the best of birthdays as he posted on social media.The Liverpool striker turned 24 on Saturday, and he will no doubt have had hopes of celebrating his big day in the United States with France at this summer’s World Cup.Alas, Ekitike is instead having to watch the tournament from home after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing for the Reds against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in March. Having undergone surgery on the issue, he now faces a lengthy lay-off, with the likelihood that he will miss a large chunk of the 2026/27 season, though he wants to return before Boxing Day.It’s understandable then that Ekitike didn’t exactly seem to be in the mood to celebrate as he marked his birthday on Instagram.Posting to his story, the striker shared a picture of a sad-looking cat in front of a cake, perhaps demonstrating that this wasn’t the happiest of birthdays for him.Ekitike had looked set to earn a spot in Didier Deschamps’ side for this summer’s World Cup off the back of an impressive first year at Liverpool, in which he scored 17 goals in 45 appearances.Hugo Ekitike didn't look to be in the mood to celebrate as he posted on his birthday(Image: hekitike/Instagram)The forward had worked his way into the French side during the qualification stages for the tournament, scoring twice in his eight caps before suffering his devastating injury.Sharing a message with supporters after confirmation of his injury, Ekitike said: "It’s hard, maybe even unfair… but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you."I’m not alone.
Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield."Despite the serious nature of his injury, Ekitike has reportedly set his sights on a return to action with Liverpool before the end of the year.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.According to L’Equipe, the striker is targeting a return by Boxing Day, with the Reds scheduled to face Hull City during the festive period after the Premier League released its fixtures for the new season this week.The report claimed that Ekitike has been in “immense pain” over the past couple of months as he came to terms with missing the World Cup, with the heartbreak that caused leading to him pretending that soccer had “ceased to exist”.Ekitike was seen on the pitch at Anfield on the final day of the season, having joined his teammates in their customary lap of honor as he struggled to walk on his protective boot.Liverpool has now moved to secure some cover for Ekitike while he’s out injured, with new winger Victor Munoz able to play across the front line in what could be a vital signing this summer.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCHugo EkitikeLiverpool injury news