Liverpool, the English football champions, confirmed on Thursday that their striker Ugo Ekitike will miss the remainder of the season, as well as the 2026 World Cup, due to a serious injury sustained in the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The 23-year-old player fell to the ground, clutching his right lower leg during the first half on Tuesday when Liverpool lost 0-2 to the current European champions at Anfield. Later, in a brief statement, Liverpool announced that scans confirmed a "ruptured Achilles tendon". The club's statement added: "As a result, Ekitike will be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the season and will be unable to participate in the World Cup this summer with France". Liverpool did not specify a timeline for Ekitike's recovery, only saying: "Further updates will be provided in due course, with Ugo receiving the full support of everyone at Liverpool". Liverpool's statement came after France manager Didier Deschamps announced on Wednesday that Ekitike would miss the World Cup. Deschann said in a statement from the French Football Federation: "Unfortunately, the severity of Ekitike's injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup". He continued: "This is a heavy blow for him, of course, but also for the French team". Ekitike, for his part, wrote on Instagram: "It's tough, maybe even unfair... but I'm grateful that this happened to me here, with you. Your strength and love will be my driving force. I am not alone".
