Hugo Ekitike is aiming to be back in action for Liverpool around Boxing Day as he continues recovering from a severe injury that has left him in ‘immense pain’, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Despite Liverpool’s frustrating and underwhelming season, Ekitike stood out as one of their most promising new signings. The France international had netted 17 goals by April, before disaster struck during the second leg of their Champions League tie against his former side, Paris Saint-Germain, at Anfield in April.
During that match, Ekitike suffered a rupture to the Achilles tendon in his right leg, collapsing in visible distress. The setback not only ended his campaign abruptly but also ruled him out of representing France at his first World Cup.
Achilles injuries of this nature often raise doubts about whether a player can regain their previous level. However, fresh reports suggest Ekitike is optimistic, setting his sights on a return during the festive period. He is taking inspiration from his Club captain Virgil van Dijk, who suffered a similar injury against Everton when he was tackled by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in 2021.
French media outlet, L’Equipe, reported that the French international has endured ‘immense pain’ over the past two months, both physically and mentally, as he comes to terms with missing such a major international tournament. The report even claims he coped by convincing himself football had temporarily ‘ceased to exist’ while processing the disappointment.
Ekitike, who was spotted on crutches following Liverpool’s final game of the season against Brentford, underwent surgery in London shortly after sustaining the injury.
The operation was carried out by leading American specialists, including the same surgeon who treated NBA star Jayson Tatum after he suffered an identical injury. And there is enough evidence to suggest that his patients have had quicker recovery rates than normal.
Encouragingly, Liverpool’s medical team is said to be satisfied with Ekitike’s rehabilitation so far. The striker has been focusing on building upper-body strength, which should support his return once he is able to remove his protective boot and resume full training.
Throughout his recovery, Ekitike has also received strong backing from teammates at both club and international level, according to Mark Jones of the Liverpool Echo. Jones also claimed that France manager Didier Deschamps has reportedly kept in close contact, regularly checking on his progress, and there is a possibility Ekitike could travel to the United States to link up with the French squad during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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