How long will Liverpool’s Ekitiké be out after injury vs PSG? Will he miss World Cup for France?

The silence at Anfield said everything. What began as a night of belief – some may say, ‘hope’ – against Paris Saint-Germain quickly turned into something far more damaging for Liverpool, as Hugo Ekitiké’s injury overshadowed the European exit.

The 23-year-old forward, who has been one of the few shining lights for the Reds this season, went down early in the second half without contact, clutching his right ankle in visible distress. Those of us watching didn’t need a replay to sense the seriousness. Head coach Arne Slot hinted as much after the game, admitting it “didn’t look good” from the moment it happened.

Now, the worst has been confirmed.

Achilles injury leaves Liverpool facing long absence

According to L’Equipe, Ekitiké has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Recovery timelines for this type of damage are long and unforgiving, with the report estimating around nine months before he can even return to training in an ideal scenario. That timeline carries more consequences than usual.

Will Ekitiké miss the World Cup with France?

If rehabilitation follows the expected course, the striker will miss the start of next season and, more significantly, this summer’s World Cup with the France national team. While official squad lists are still months away, an Achilles rupture at this stage effectively rules him out of contention.

It is a brutal setback for a player who had been building momentum at Anfield, adapting to new players but signalling his class from day 1.

Who replaces Ekitiké at Liverpool?

While The Reds showed that they could compete with the reigning European Champions on the night – Slot breaking from his norm to set them out on front foot – they succcombed to two late goals from Ousmane Dembélé. Given the dominance in the first leg, 4-0 on aggregate is probably about fair for Luis Enrique’s excellent team.

Liverpool now must focus on their only remaining objective: finishing in the top five of the Premier League and securing their place in next season’s top continental competition. But they’ll have to do that without one of the most promising attacking options around.

Ironically, this was the game when record signing Alexander Isak started up front with the Frenchman following his own absence due to serious injury early in the campaign. He will take over as the main goal threat and Liverpool are sure to add some others in the summer, likely from wide areas.

For Ekitiké, the road back starts now... and it will be a long one.

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