New Hugo Ekitike injury update drops after claims of Boxing Day return

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Hugo Ekitike was perhaps Liverpool’s most consistent new signing last season, but his 2025/26 campaign was derailed thanks to injury.The Frenchman picked up an injury in a Champions League meeting with PSG that not only brought his season to a close but also ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup with France.It is thought that Ekitike will be out for at least six months, with one recent report suggesting he is targeting a return for Boxing Day. How many points are Liverpool getting from their first five Premier League fixtures of 26/27?

There's a good chance for 18 points before taking on Man City at Anfield 👀 Liverpool fixture list 2026/27 Hugo Ekitike is still on crutchesSpeaking on The Blood Red podcast this week, journalist Paul Gorst reacted to the claims that Ekitike will be aiming to be back on December 26.He said: “I think there was an acceptance as well that when Ekitike got his long term injury, that you might need to do a little bit more reinforcing of the depth in those forward areas because there was a report this week that he is targeting a return on Boxing Day, which is strangely specific, but he’s still got the aid of his crutches at the moment. “So Liverpool not really going to have him to count on for a few months.

So they needed someone else on top of the obvious one of replacing Mo Salah.”Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz this summer and continue to hold a strong interest in Yan Diomande. Diomande can provide cover on both flanks if required, having excelled on the left and right wings for RB Leipzig in the last year or so.Munoz, on the other hand, is even more versatile and has been used as a second striker and centre-forward by CA Osasuna.In turn, the Spaniard may well act as a back-up centre-forward to Alexander Isak in 2026/27.Or, if Liverpool bring in two wingers, we could see Cody Gakpo pushed into the number nine role more frequently as Munoz and Rio Ngumoha battle for a place on the left wing.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox