Liverpool have confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitike has suffered a serious Achilles injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season and the World Cup.
The forward was forced off in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after slipping on the turf.
Subsequent scans revealed a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Liverpool said: “Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer’s World Cup with France.”
France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed the 23-year-old will miss the World Cup.
“Hugo (Ekitike) suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG,” said Deschamps in quotes released on the national team’s X account.
“The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup.
“Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months. He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it. This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team.
“His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I’m convinced of it.
“But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he’ll be fully behind the France team and we’re all thinking of him very strongly.”
Read more: Liverpool lead Chelsea and Man United in race for Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi
Anthony Gordon keen to leave Newcastle United in summer amid Liverpool links
Arne Slot claims Liverpool will “sell to buy” in transfer market