Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the rest of the season having suffered an Achilles injury in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The France striker was stretchered off in the first half of Liverpool's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain with what appeared to be a serious injury, and though the severity is still to be confirmed, Ekitike's season is certainly over.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot immediately expressed his concern at full time, saying: ""Hugo looks really bad but it is difficult to say how bad. Let's see. It doesn't look good, that is clear. I didn't see him at half-time and after the game he was already home. I have not spoken to him yet.
Liverpool and France team mate Ibrahima Konate added: "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."
What is Hugo Ekitike's injury?
Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles in Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
How long will Hugo Ekitike be out for?
A serious Achilles injury would likely mean at least a six-month absence, though a more realistic timeline would keep the Frenchman sidelined for nine months.
Which fixtures will he miss?
- Everton v Liverpool - 19th April
- Liverpool v Crystal Palace - 25th April
- Manchester United v Liverpool - 3rd May
- Liverpool v Chelsea - 9th May
- Aston Villa v Liverpool - 17th May
- Liverpool v Brentford - 24th May
In addition to the rest of the Premier League season, Ekitike is now set to miss the World Cup and the first few months of next season.
Standard Achilles injury recovery time
A torn Achilles is amongst the most serious injuries a footballer can suffer, and the standard recovery time is around nine months, though it can take longer to get back to full fitness.
