“The World Cup? Obviously, it’s a childhood dream to go to the World Cup. Every time I have playing time, I try to show that I have the abilities, that I am there to help the group, no matter the minutes.”said Hugo Ekitike during the November 2025 rally, when he opened his goal counter in Blue during the match against Ukraine. Unfortunately, the dream was shattered on Tuesday evening.
The half-hour mark had not even passed when Hugo Ekitike suddenly stopped his run and collapsed. He tried to leave but the pain was too much. Very quickly, the suspicion of an Achilles tendon injury arose. It was confirmed by medical examinations taken overnight by the player. The Reds have not yet communicated on the subject, but Didier Deschamps has just confirmed his striker’s withdrawal for the 2026 World Cup.
A great offensive option which disappears for the Blues
“Hugo was seriously injured Tuesday evening against PSG. 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 ten young players who have made their debut for the national team in recent months. He had integrated perfectly into the group, whether on or off the field. This injury is a huge blow for him, obviously, but also for the French team. His disappointment is immense. Hugo will return to his best level, I am convinced. But I wanted to show him all my support, as well as that of the entire staff. We know that he will be fully behind the French team and we all think very highly of him”.
Terrible news for Ekitike, who will therefore be absent for many months. Last night, we already knew that his season with Liverpool was over, and there remained a slim hope of seeing him in the French team for the World Cup which begins next June in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But the sentence has fallen. Called up for the French team for the first time last September, he was rewarded for his good debut with Liverpool, where he managed to do well despite a difficult season and huge competition. He was the most convincing summer signing for the Reds, and he was clearly applying for a place on the Blues roster. He even already appeared as a good option off the bench, or even a potential starter on the left side, like against Brazil during the last rally. The French team will have to do without him.
