Hugo Ekitike will MISS the World Cup for France after Liverpool striker ruptures his achilles

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his achilles during their Champions League quarter-final exit by Paris Saint-Germain.

Ekitike will now miss the upcoming World Cup for France – having looked set to be selected in Didier Deschamps’ squad.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury after slipping on the Anfield surface during the first half of the second leg on Tuesday, which Liverpool went on to lose 2-0 and 4-0 on aggregate.

He underwent scans on Wednesday which confirmed his, Liverpool and France’s worst fears.

In a statement on Thursday, Liverpool did not give a timeline for the recovery.

‘Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon,’ the club 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.

‘Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time.’

Hugo Ekitike breaks silence on achilles injury

Ekitike took to social media himself, writing: ‘It’s hard, maybe even unfair… but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield.’

On Wednesday night, Deschamps said in a statement published by the French Football Federation that Ekitike was out of this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

He said: ‘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.’

Ekitike joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer in a £79million transfer. Despite the club’s struggles this season he had scored 17 goals in all competitions prior to his injury.