Hugo Ekitike World Cup injury rules Liverpool striker out of 2026 tournament after Achilles rupture with 8–9 months recovery expected

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a serious Achilles tendon injury, according to reports confirmed on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

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The injury is expected to sideline the French forward for between eight and nine months, effectively ending his season and international hopes for the tournament.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on X, stating that the injury will keep the player out of the competition, with recovery expected to extend into the new season.

Reports from French outlet L’Équipe indicate that the striker sustained an Achilles tendon rupture, a severe injury requiring long-term rehabilitation and careful medical management.

Ekitike, who recently joined Liverpool, is now expected to focus fully on recovery after a demanding period in top-level football.

The setback is a major blow for France, who had considered him an emerging attacking option ahead of the global tournament.

Medical timelines suggest a return to action could take up to nine months, depending on rehabilitation progress and response to treatment.

Liverpool are yet to issue an official detailed medical update, but internal expectations reportedly align with the recovery timeline shared by sources.

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The injury adds to ongoing concerns over player fitness in a congested football calendar featuring both club and international commitments.