Hugo Ekitike, the Liverpool striker, will miss the World Cup due to a significant leg injury, France coach Didier Deschamps announced on Wednesday.
In the 27th minute of Tuesday`s Champions League game between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Ekitike was removed from the pitch on a stretcher after suffering what appeared to be an Achilles tendon injury.
“The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and from participating in the World Cup,” Deschamps said.
The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate defeat against the reigning European champions PSG.
The match was halted for over 5 minutes as Ekitike hit the floor with a suspected injury. The French star was in tears as the referee called for the stretcher to carry him off the pitch. It was soon confirmed that Ekitike had suffered a serious Achilles injury that would keep him out for most of the next year.
Liverpool did not immediately confirm the news, but coach Arne Slot said Tuesday that the injury looked “really bad.”
France manager confirms Ekitike will miss the World Cup
Ekitike has been one of Liverpool`s top players this season and was expected to be part of France`s World Cup squad in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He has scored 19 goals for club and country, including a goal for France in its 2-1 win over Brazil last month.
“Hugo is one of about 10 young players who have made their debuts for the national team in recent months. He had integrated perfectly into the group, both on and off the pitch. This injury is a huge blow for him, obviously, but also for the French national team. His disappointment is immense. Hugo will get back to his best, I`m convinced of it. But I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire staff.” Deschamps said.
France has a good depth in attacking options with Michel Olise, Kylian Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele all available to fill in. The French team have reached the final of the last two World Cups, winning in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
(With AP Input)
