Liverpool forward handed recovery boost after AXA training centre visit
TL;DR
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike received a recovery boost after visiting the AXA training centre. His injury, a ruptured Achilles, has sidelined him for the season and the World Cup.
Key points
- Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon.
- Ekitike is ruled out for the season.
- Ekitike will miss France's World Cup campaign.
- Alexander Isak will shoulder more responsibility.
- Ekitike's recovery update is encouraging.
Liverpool forward handed recovery boost after AXA training centre visit
Alexander Isak is one of the Liverpool forwards that will be asked to shoulder more responsibility in Hugo Ekitike’s absence, but the latest update around the Frenchman is at least encouraging.
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The 23-year-old ruptured his Achilles against PSG last month, ending his season and ruling him out of France’s World Cup campaign.
Now we’ve seen the first signs of Liverpool putting a detailed long-term recovery plan in place.
Hugo Ekitike recovery plan spotted at AXA
German physiotherapist Berengar Buschmann has shared images from Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre on Instagram, including one slide that referenced a “Hugo Ekitike Achilles Rupture Repair Long Term Plan Review”.
Writing alongside the post, Buschmann said: “Communication is key. Inside or outside, one side: the player. Never count the miles, when going the extra mile is part of who you are. The grind behind…”
That doesn’t give supporters a timeline, but it does show the work has already started behind the scenes after such a devastating injury.
Ekitike was also pictured driving Buschmann into the training ground, which suggests the France international is fully engaged in the process from the very beginning.
Liverpool need Ekitike back at full strength
Slot said last month that the surgery had gone well, while also warning that this will be a long rehab process with several crucial steps before any return date becomes clear.
That caution is understandable because Jermaine Pennant has already described an Achilles rupture as “one of the worst injuries you can have”, adding that it can be “50/50 whether he comes back the same player” if it’s a bad one.
Liverpool, though, are said to be confident that Ekitike can return to his previous level after successful surgery, which is important given the investment made in the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward.
He had scored 17 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances before the injury, showing enough quality to suggest he can still become a major part of our attack.
For now, Cody Gakpo, Isak and others must carry the load, but this AXA update is a welcome reminder that Ekitike’s comeback has already begun.
Q&A
What injury did Hugo Ekitike sustain?
Hugo Ekitike sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon.
How will Ekitike's injury affect Liverpool's squad?
Ekitike's injury will require other forwards, like Alexander Isak, to take on more responsibility in his absence.
What is the significance of Ekitike's recovery boost?
The recovery boost is encouraging for Ekitike's rehabilitation process, although he remains out for the season and the World Cup.
