Hugo Ekitike is not expected to return to action for Liverpool or France before 2027, leaving a gaping hole in their attack in spite of Alexander Isak’s return to scoring this weekend.
Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Saturday, with Isak opening the scoring with a classic striker’s goal. He took an excellent first touch to control a wayward Alexis Mac Allister strike, before bouncing the ball into the ground before the back of the net.
As encouraging as Isak’s display vs Palace was, Liverpool once again have just one striker fit.
Ekitike’s Achilles tendon rupture required a horrific surgery, which he is now recovering from. However, with an estimated nine-month recovery ahead of the Frenchman, he’s not expected to play for Liverpool or France again in 2026.
It’s an awful blow for a young player who managed 17 goals and six assists in his debut Liverpool season.
The sprint that caused Ekitike injury.
How did this sprint cause so much damage. pic.twitter.com/qzpIukdSbY
— Ipostanything LFC (@ipostanythingLF) April 16, 2026
Now what?
Liverpool could sign cover for Ekitike with a loan or bargain striker signing
On Sunday, Football Insider reported that Liverpool are looking at creative ways to find cover for Ekitike while signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig remains their priority attacking transfer.
The report from Wayne Veysey reads: “Liverpool will explore the market for a new striker in the summer transfer window but will hold back from spending big, sources have told Football Insider.
“The Merseyside giants are eyeing a possible loan move or bargain transfer, using the bulk of their summer kitty for other squad acquisitions.
“The club’s recruitment team are honing their strategy for the window cafter it was confirmed that Hugo Ekitike is set to be ruled out for the rest of 2026 with a ruptured achilles.
“Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Yan Diamonde is Liverpool’s top target ahead of the summer transfer window.”
Signing Diomande will cost in the region of €100m (£87m), and with Liverpool needing to manage their transfer resources carefully, they cannot sign Diomande while also spending big on a new striker.
Outside of the financial blow of the 2025-26 season, Liverpool spent over £200m to sign Isak and Ekitike last summer, so it’s logical they are reticent to commit further significant funds to signing another No.9.
