Ekitike targets Christmas return as Achilles injury leaves Liverpool forward in 'immense pain'

Hugo Ekitike is aiming to return to action around Christmas after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain in April, ruling the 23-year-old French forward out for the remainder of 2026 and ending his World Cup hopes.

According to L’Equipe, Ekitike has been left in ‘immense pain’ over the past couple of months and has reportedly tried to protect his mental health by pretending football ‘ceased to exist’. Despite the psychological toll, Liverpool are said to be pleased with the progress he has made since undergoing surgery, with the striker focusing on upper body conditioning to accelerate his eventual comeback.

Ekitike addressed supporters on social media shortly after the diagnosis was confirmed. “It’s hard, maybe even unfair,” he wrote. “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.”

France head coach Didier Deschamps also offered his support, describing the injury as a significant blow for both player and nation. “The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup,” Deschamps said. “Hugo is one of the dozen young players who made their international debuts in recent months. He integrated perfectly into the squad, both on and off the pitch. This injury is a massive blow for him, obviously, but also for the French national team.”

Deschamps added: “Hugo will return to his best level, I am certain of it. But I wanted to show him all my support, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he will be fully behind the French team, and we are all thinking of him very much.”

Ekitike joined Liverpool last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million and made an immediate impact at Anfield, scoring 17 goals before his debut campaign was cut short. The forward’s target of returning by the end of the year would see him available for the second half of Liverpool’s season, though the club has not yet set a formal timeline for his comeback.