The 23-year-old was stretchered off in visible distress during the first half of Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, a result that confirmed a 4-0 aggregate exit from the Champions League. Ekitike went down off the ball and appeared to point immediately to his Achilles before being taken off, raising instant concerns among teammates and staff.

Initial assessments from the club have been cautious, with manager Arne Slot admitting the situation “doesn't look good,” while confirming further scans were required to determine the full extent of the damage.

"Hugo looks really bad but it's difficult for me to say how bad," he said.

"Tomorrow we will investigate this further, (see) how bad this is for him. Let's see. But it doesn't look good. I didn't see him at half-time and after the game he had already gone home so I haven't spoken to him yet."

However, reports from sources close to the player suggest the worst fears have been realised, with a ruptured Achilles tendon expected to keep him out for between nine and 12 months.

Such a timeline would not only end Ekitike's season but also rule him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a significant blow for France national football team. The striker had begun to establish himself as a key attacking option, earning eight caps and positioning himself as a leading understudy to Kylian Mbappe.

Liverpool are yet to officially confirm the diagnosis but are already understood to be preparing for surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation programme. Teammate Ibrahima Konate echoed the somber mood following the match, admitting he feared the worst and sending his support to the injured forward.

"I think it is bad. I don't know, I have heard many things, I have no word to talk about that because with the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him and I send him my prayers," said Konate.

The injury comes at a particularly cruel time for both club and player. Ekitike had enjoyed an impressive debut campaign since his high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, contributing 17 goals and six assists across all competitions. Across club and international football, he has found the net 19 times this season, underlining his growing importance.

His absence will be keenly felt as Liverpool push for a top-five finish, while France must now rethink their attacking options ahead of a World Cup set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

For Ekitike, the focus now shifts to recovery after what could be the most significant injury setback of his career so far.

Malesela challenges Gallants to stay on track