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Ekitike Faces Lengthy Spell on Sidelines
TL;DR
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool FC suffered a severe ankle injury during the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, prompting concerns of a possible Achilles tendon tear. Head coach Arne Slot described the injury as 'really bad' following the team's 2-0 defeat.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Hugo Ekitiké #22 of Liverpool FC reacts after his injury during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on April 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool FC head coach Arne Slot described striker Hugo Ekitike’s injury as “really bad” following the team’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Ekitike fell to the ground at about the half-hour mark, clutching his right ankle in what appeared to be a non-contact injury, sparking fears of a tear of the Achilles tendon. He was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, making way for Mohamed Salah.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, Slot had this to say:
“He’s not good. We could all see that it didn’t look good. He went home in the second half so I haven’t seen him yet.”
“Losing a game is hard but again losing a player is something we’ve had many times this season. It’s very hard for him at this time of the season.”
He expanded on the situation further in his post-match press conference:
“It looks really bad but it is difficult for me to say how bad. Tomorrow we will investigate this further, how bad this is for him.”
“Let’s see but that it doesn’t look good is clear.”
Teammate Ibrahima Konaté also expressed sadness for his compatriot’s situation:
“I’m very sad for him. I think it is bad.”
“I don’t know. I heard many things, but I don’t want to talk about that because with the World Cup, all of the things coming this summer, it’s very hard for him at this moment. I send him my prayers and everything.”
Ekitike has scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season and would likely have been in the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup, having gained some traction with recent friendly appearances. It is an unfortunate ending to one of the few bright spots in this Liverpool season.
As for the Reds, Hugo’s injury leaves them with Alexander Isak, who has only just returned from long-term injury, as the lone option at striker. Slot could have to mix it up with Salah or Cody Gakpo if Isak isn’t able to play for whatever reason.
Q&A
What type of injury did Hugo Ekitike sustain during the match against PSG?
Hugo Ekitike sustained a severe ankle injury that raised concerns of a possible Achilles tendon tear.
How did Hugo Ekitike's injury impact the Liverpool vs. PSG Champions League match?
Ekitike's injury occurred around the half-hour mark and led to his substitution, contributing to Liverpool's 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
What did Liverpool's head coach say about Ekitike's injury?
Head coach Arne Slot described Ekitike's injury as 'really bad' during a post-match interview.
