Echo

Hugo Ekitike supported after injury blow as Liverpool star says 'thank you so much'

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Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is continuing his recovery from an Achilles injury and has been sent a message by France supportersFrance fans sent messages of support to Hugo Ekitike as the Liverpool striker continues his recovery from injury. Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles injury back in April, which saw his debut season at Anfield come to an early end.Liverpool signed Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer in a deal worth up to £79million, and the France international went on to score 17 goals in his first season with the Reds.However, the injury to Ekitike has stopped the striker from featuring at this summer’s World Cup for his country, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.Thursday night saw France face the Ivory Coast in a pre-World Cup friendly at the Stade de la Beaujoire, where Didier Deschamps side suffered a 2-1 defeat.In the crowd, the France fans held up a banner which read: “Courage, Hugo” as they showed their support for the injured Liverpool striker.Ekitike has responded to the message of support from the French supporters, posting a message on his Instagram story.“Thank you so much for the support,” Ekitike wrote, in a message translated from French.



I'm behind you!”Ekitike still faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he recovers from the injury, and is not expected to return until moments into next season.When Ekitike does eventually return to full fitness, he will be hoping to get to work and impress new manager Andoni Iraola.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageThe Reds confirmed Iraola as their new boss on Thursday, with the 43-year-old replacing Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout this summer.Iraola will take charge of pre-season training next month and will also oversee the trip to the United States with friendly matches against Sunderland, Leeds United and Wrexham.Liverpool will then return to Merseyside, and Iraola will get his first taste of Anfield as Reds manager with friendly matches against Monaco and Como, which are pencilled in for August.For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc.

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