Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of the World Cup with France after reportedly suffering an Achilles tendon rupture, the France Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday.
The Liverpool striker was stretchered off midway through the first half of Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, who advanced to the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate victory.
According to reports, Ekitike tore his right Achilles tendon at Anfield after collapsing off the ball with no opponent nearby—an injury that could sideline him for around nine months.
“Unfortunately, the severity of [Ekitike’s] injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup,” France head coach Didier Deschamps said in a statement.
“This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team. I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff.”
Liverpool have yet to officially confirm the extent of the injury, but losing Ekitike for the remainder of the season would be a significant setback to their push for a top-five finish in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has registered 17 goals and six assists across all competitions in his debut campaign with Liverpool, who are currently fifth in the standings.
France and Liverpool team-mate Ibrahima Konate said on Tuesday: “I think it is bad. I don’t know, I have heard many things.
“I have no word to talk about that because, with the World Cup coming, it is very, very hard for him, and I send him my prayers.”
