Ekitike's Achilles injury forces France to reshape World Cup plans
Ekitike ruled out of France's 2026 World Cup squad due to Achilles injury.
Event / Sports
Hugo Ekitike Achilles Injury
French footballer Hugo Ekitike, 23, sustained an Achilles tendon rupture during a match, sidelining him for an extended period. The exact severity is pending medical confirmation. Liverpool manager Arne Slot characterized the injury as 'quite serious.' Ekitike is ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Randal Kolo Muani positioned as the primary replacement candidate for France's national team.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 15 Apr, 12:07 UTC
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What happened
Ekitiké ruled out for remainder of Liverpool season
Hugo Ekitiké will miss the remainder of Liverpool's 2025-26 season due to the Achilles tendon rupture. The injury is expected to sideline him for several months given the severity of an Achilles tendon rupture.
Ekitiké had eight international caps for France
Hugo Ekitiké earned eight caps for the French national team since making his debut in September 2025. He scored a goal against Brazil (2-1) during an international friendly in March 2026 as part of France's tour of the Americas. He was competing for a spot on Deschamps' World Cup roster, with the squad list to be announced on May 14.
Hugo Ekitiké suffers Achilles tendon rupture during Champions League match
French forward Hugo Ekitiké, playing for Liverpool, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg during the 28th minute of a Champions League quarterfinal match against PSG on Tuesday. He collapsed on the pitch holding his right ankle and was carried off on a stretcher. Medical examinations conducted Wednesday confirmed the Achilles tendon rupture.
Ekitiké withdrawn from France's 2026 World Cup squad
French national team coach Didier Deschamps officially confirmed on Wednesday that Hugo Ekitiké is ruled out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Deschamps described the injury as 'an enormous setback' for both Ekitiké and the French team.
Ekitiké performing well at Liverpool before injury
Hugo Ekitiké had established himself as a key player for Liverpool since his arrival, recording 17 goals and 6 assists in 45 matches for the club. This represented a significant resurgence after an unsuccessful spell at Paris Saint-Germain, followed by stints on loan and permanent transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Hugo Ekitike ruled out for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to his Achilles tendon rupture. The French international forward, who has earned 8 caps and scored 2 goals for France, will require an extended recovery period and will be unable to compete in the tournament. Randal Kolo Muani is now the leading candidate to replace Ekitike in the France squad selected by coach Didier Deschamps.
Hugo Ekitike suffers Achilles tendon rupture during match
French footballer Hugo Ekitike, aged 23, suffered an Achilles tendon injury during a match on Tuesday evening at the 30-minute mark. The exact nature of the injury—whether partial or complete rupture—remained to be determined pending additional medical examinations. Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the injury as 'quite serious' in a post-match press conference following elimination against PSG.
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2 alternative perspectives
Ekitike's season-ending Achilles injury reshapes Liverpool's attacking plans
Ekitike's Achilles injury sidelines Liverpool's in-form forward for the season.
Ekitike's Achilles injury ends 2026 World Cup dreams
Ekitike's Achilles rupture eliminates him from 2026 World Cup contention.