Hugo Ekitiké
LIV
Center Forward
Poacher
Jun 20, 2002 (24)
Right
6'3"
168 lb
Doing well, not training yet
Ekitike (Achilles) remains in a lengthy recovery process and is "a little bit behind that but that was always the plan. He is still doing very well according to the plan," per coach Andoni Iraola, Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo reports.
Analysis: Ekitike has continued to work in the gym after being inactive since April due to his ruptured Achilles tendon. While he was last reported to target a return to action in December, it seems like his workload will be limited even if he's able to log minutes of play before the end of the year, forcing him to wait until 2027 to become a real option. Liverpool are currently facing a difficult front-line situation with Alexander Isak (thigh) and Cody Gakpo (ankle) dealing with injuries as well, turning to Lewis Koumas in the striker role over the last couple of games.
Eyeing potential December return
Ekitike (achilles) is eyeing a potential return in December, according to Hugo Delom and Loic Tanzi of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Ekitike is making more progress through his rehabilitation, still on the mend from a torn Achilles he suffered around six months ago. His situation has been closely monitored, with the forward recently traveling to the United States to see a specialist, now able to take the field for light running. That said, his exact return date remains up in the air, although the possibility of him being fit in December continues to grow.
Could return for final two UCL games
Ekitike (Achilles) could potentially play in the final two games of the Champions League's opening stage, according to coach Andoni Iraola. ""I think it's difficult with these long-term injuries, I think he's still far [away]. But we had a meeting with the medical department to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages. But it's still very early to say. It's very early because it's a long-term injury [and] a big part of the rehab [he] is still to meet. But if we decide to put him there it is because there is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January."
Analysis: Ekitike's debut campaign was cut short in April by an Achilles injury suffered in a Champions League quarterfinal loss to PSG, having produced 11 goals and four assists in 28 Premier League appearances before the setback, and the injury also cost him the World Cup. This update marks the first concrete indication of a potential return timeline, with the match against Inter on Jan. 19 among the possible targets, though Liverpool continues to stress the recovery process remains ongoing.
Continues rehab in Chicago
Ekitike traveled with Liverpool's squad to their preseason training base in Chicago as he continues rehabilitating his Achilles injury, the club announced.
Analysis: Ekitike's debut campaign was cut short in April when he suffered the injury during a Champions League quarterfinal loss to PSG, having produced 11 goals and four assists in 28 Premier League appearances before the setback. The injury also forced him to miss the 2026 World Cup, and his inclusion on the trip points to continued monitoring of his recovery under the club's medical staff. Part of the 2026-27 campaign is still expected to be affected by the layoff. Ekitike is expected to keep working through his rehabilitation program while accompanying the squad through the preseason tour.
Continues Achilles rehab
Ekitike (Achilles) returned to the AXA Training Centre this week for an assessment of his recovery from his Achilles injury, the club posted.
Analysis: Ekitike suffered the injury during Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal defeat to PSG in April, ending his debut campaign early after a productive first season that included 11 goals and four assists in 28 Premier League appearances. The injury forced him to miss the 2026 World Cup, and this checkpoint nearly three months on marks continued monitoring of his rehabilitation rather than a return to training. He is expected to miss part of the 2026-27 campaign as a result of the injury. Ekitike is expected to continue his recovery process as Liverpool provide further updates on his progress.
Undergoes surgery
Ekitike (Achilles) revealed he has undergone successful surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon as he continues a recovery process of several months.
Analysis: Ekitike is expected to remain sidelined for the next nine months due to the injury he suffered during an April 14 Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain. The striker will consequently miss the 2026 World Cup and part of the 2026/27 campaign for Liverpool. During his debut Premier League campaign, he scored 11 goals and four assists across 28 appearances, while adding three goals and one assist over 12 UCL matches. Alexander Isak may continue to lead the Reds' front line, and either Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola could fill in at the national team level.
Suffers Achilles injury
Ekitike is expected to be confirmed with a ruptured Achilles tendon following scans Wednesday, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the 2026 World Cup with France, according to Arthur Perrot of RMC Sport.
Analysis: Ekitike went down in the first half of Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal second leg against PSG without any contact, collapsing to the ground after planting his foot, and the initial clinical examination in the dressing room left little room for optimism. The Frenchman is expected to be sidelined for about nine months and the blow could hardly be more devastating for the striker, who had been one of Liverpool's most important players this season with 15 goals and six assists across 43 appearances across all competitions, and who was firmly in contention for a spot in coach Didier Deschamps' World Cup squad. Alexander Isak is now expected to take on a larger role as Liverpool's main striker when back to full fitness, while Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola are the leading candidates to fill Ekitike's left wing spot for Les Bleus this summer.
Suffers suspected Achilles injury
Ekitike suffered a possible Achilles injury in the first half of Tuesday's UCL game against PSG. After the game, coach Arne Slot commented "Not too good. I think we could all see that it didn't look well and didn't look good. Let's wait and see what it will be. But we could all see it didn't look good".
Analysis: Ekitike immediately went down Tuesday after lunging for the ball without any contact from the opponent, and unfortunately he reached for his Achilles. The hope is that he only tweaked a calf muscle, which would be the best-case scenario in this situation. For now, Ekitike will be out the next week of games with more info to follow likely after some scans. Alexander Isak got his first start Tuesday since returning from injury and will hope to get back his full fitness quickly.
Goalless FA Cup outing
Ekitike recorded two shots (one on target) in Saturday's 4-0 loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Ekitike failed to score for a second match in a row Saturday, although he only played eight minutes before coming off injured in his last outing, as both shots went to waste against City. The forward remains at 15 goals between FA Cup, league and UCL play this season with Liverpool, coming in 41 appearances.
Takes larger role with France
Ekitike (thigh) has fully recovered from the thigh knock he picked up against Brighton before the break, starting and scoring in France's 2-1 win over Brazil before coming off the bench in Sunday's victory against Colombia, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Ekitike looked like a real concern heading into the break after the thigh issue, but the 23-year-old answered every question in emphatic fashion on the international stage. Operating from the left flank, he looked right at home alongside Kylian Mbappe and is now firmly in the conversation as a potential World Cup starter for Les Bleus. Back at Liverpool, expect him to return fully fit and with serious momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The forward has scored 15 goals and delivered six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this season for the Reds.
Joins France for duty
Ekitike (thigh) was spotted arriving at Clairefontaine for international duty with France, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Ekitike took a thigh knock in a challenge with James Milner during Saturday's loss to Brighton, but the striker appears to have come through it well after being seen arriving at Clairefontaine for France duty. He will likely be checked out by France's medical staff to make sure the thigh is fully fine, and the forward will be hoping that is the case since this break gives him a legit shot to showcase his upside. With the World Cup getting closer, Ekitike has a real opportunity to make his case for a starting role with France.
Suffers thigh knock
Ekitike was forced off early during Saturday's clash against Brighton due to a thigh knock, according to Santi Aouna from Foot Mercato.
Analysis: Ekitike took a bad challenge from James Milner early in Saturday's clash against the Seagulls and had to come off in the eighth minute after trying twice to stay in the game. The Frenchman will be evaluated over the coming days to determine the extent of the issue, but he is likely to miss international duty with France to give himself time to recover if the knock is revealed significant. Until he gets back up to full speed, Cody Gakpo is expected to step into a bigger role for the Reds.
Scores Wednesday
Ekitike scored one goal to go with seven shots (three on goal) and three chances created in Wednesday's 4-0 victory versus Galatasaray.
Analysis: Ekitike scored once during Wednesday's rout, as well as creating three chances and taking seven shots. The striker was constantly involved throughout the match and could have had a hat trick with slightly better finishing. Ekitike remains the brilliant lead to an inconsistent Liverpool attack.
Brilliant in rout
Ekitike scored one goal and assisted twice from two shots and two chances created in Saturday's 5-2 win against West Ham United.
Analysis: Ekitike scored and added a pair of assists during Saturday's win, putting together a truly excellent showing. The striker was brilliant throughout the match and caused issues for the backline throughout the match. Ekitike has truly been one of the few bright spots in a hopelessly disappointing Liverpool campaign.
Three shots in win
Ekitike generated three shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Ekitike took three shots during Sunday's win, but failed to really test the goalkeeper much throughout the match. It was competitive throughout, but for the most part Ekitike was held out of the match. He's still a dangerous attacking option whenever he starts, but the team around him has often struggled creatively.
Three shots in Sunday's loss
Ekitike had three shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 defeat versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Ekitike recorded three shots in Sunday's loss, but he was unable to put a single shot on target. He also created one chance on the attack, a disappointing performance coming off four goal contributions across his last two matches (all competitions). He added two clearances and one tackle as he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since Jan. 17.
Briliant brace
Ekitike scored two goals to go with six shots (four on goal) in Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Ekitike scored two goals and was brilliant throughout Saturday's drubbing of Newcastle United. The striker continues to show how good he can be at the very top level, causing issues for the backline throughout and finishing clinically. Ekitike has done brilliantly well to show that even with Alexander Isak out of the squad due to injury he can lead the line perfectly well.
Scores, assists in rout
Ekitike scored one goal and assisted once from six shots and two chances created in Wednesday's 6-0 victory versus Qarabag.
Analysis: Ekitike scored and assisted during Wednesday's dominating performance, lighting up the scoresheet in a big way. It was never even slightly competitive and Ekitike was excellent throughout. He will hope to build on that when Liverpool return to domestic action for some undoubtedly harder matches.
Involved in two goals in return
Ekitike (hamstring) scored one goal and assisted once in 35 minutes as a substitute in Monday's FA Cup win over Barnsley.
Analysis: Ekitike regained fitness following a two-game absence and took advantage of the cup match to produce a couple of goal contributions during the final minutes. He'll be back in contention and likely to lead the front line for a side that is now without Alexander Isak (ankle). Having scored six goals and two assists over his last seven games across all competitions, Ekitike could be reliable for offensive output going forward.
Hopeful for cup match
Ekitike (hamstring) is a late call for Monday's match against Barnsley, according to manager Arne Slot. "Hugo, that is not 100 per cent sure but we will do everything to have him available on Monday."
Analysis: Ekitike is working to be available for the club's opening FA Cup match, with the forward now a late call to face Barnsley. It will likely come down to a fitness test ahead of the match, although they won't risk him, as they are facing a team they should easily dispatch. Even if he is only available from the bench, it will secure his fitness for the Jan. 17 match against Burnley when they return to league play.
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