Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is not expected to return from a serious injury until 2027, according to a new claim from the Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst.
The Frenchman cruelly ruptured his Achilles at home to Paris Saint-Germain last season, and was clearly devastated by the news, sending a message to Reds supporters on social media, saying:
“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.”
It was always expected that Ekitike would be unavailable for a long time, but in general, nothing concrete has emerged regarding a specific return date.
Now, according to The Liverpool Echo‘s Gorst [via LFC Transfer Room], the 24-year-old isn’t expected to be back in the fold before the end of the calendar year.
Liverpool must play the long game with Hugo Ekitike
It is sad to see such a popular and talented player sidelined for Liverpool for so long, but it is vital that he isn’t rushed back after such a serious fitness setback.
It may be that Ekitike doesn’t even return until late in the season, but if that means him making a full recovery and not being affected further down the line, being patient is the right decision.
The France international was such a vibrant presence in his first season at Liverpool, scoring 17 goals, being called “world-class” by Alan Shearer, and hailed by Wayne Rooney:
“He’s the type of player I like to watch. He’s not a number nine, he’s not a number 10. He drifts out wide, gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals. He’s got a bit of everything really.”
There is the risk that Ekitike will never be the same player, given the nature of his injury, but hopefully, he is young enough to eventually return as the elite attacker that he was before.
Liverpool badly need him back in the fold, with Alexander Isak continuing to struggle leading the line, and a lack of backup options to the Swede available for Andoni Iraola.
