Hugo Ekitike has taken another step in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles by introducing ball work into his rehabilitation programme in the United States.
The Liverpool striker suffered the serious injury during the second leg of the Reds’ Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on April 8, ending his season and ruling him out of France’s World Cup campaign.
Almost three months on, Ekitike has been following an individually tailored rehabilitation programme in California with physiotherapist Berengar Buschmann.
The German physio has a long-standing relationship with Ekitike dating back to the forward’s time at Eintracht Frankfurt, and the pair have been working together in Los Angeles this week as the 24-year-old continues his recovery.
A video shared on social media on Friday showed Ekitike completing gym-based rehabilitation exercises, including his first ball work since the injury.
He was seen juggling the ball and playing short passes with Buschmann, both with and without the aid of crutches.
The programme has also included weight-bearing exercises to strengthen the Achilles tendon, along with aquatic training and endurance drills. Ekitike appeared to be pushing through discomfort during several of the sessions as he continued his rehabilitation.
The update will come as encouraging news for Liverpool supporters eager to see last season’s 17-goal top scorer return.
Last month, French outlet L’Equipe reported that Hugo Ekitike is targeting a comeback around the festive period, with Liverpool’s Boxing Day fixture against Hull City identified as a possible return date.
However, a clearer timeline is expected to emerge only once he progresses further through his rehabilitation.
Ekitike is due to report back to Liverpool’s medical staff later this month when Andoni Iraola begins work with his new squad at the AXA Training Centre.
Ekitike joined Liverpool last summer in a deal worth up to £79million from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Great news as Hugo Ekitike makes a huge step towards full recovery. 🇫🇷
[@jacqlfc] pic.twitter.com/4RFcEbU254
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) July 3, 2026
Read more: Germany to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp as Julian Nagelsmann resigns
Four new members of Andoni Iraola’s coaching staff at Liverpool confirmed
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes expected to join Al Hilal