Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a suspected Achilles injury during Liverpool FC’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old forward was stretchered off the pitch at Anfield, with early indications suggesting a serious injury. Liverpool officials now fear he could face a lengthy period on the sidelines and may also miss the start of next season.

Ekitike underwent scans on Wednesday to determine the full extent of the injury. The results are expected to confirm whether the suspected Achilles damage will require long-term recovery.

The forward joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in July and has been one of the club’s key players this season. He has scored 17 goals and provided six assists across all competitions.

Speaking after the match, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said the injury looked serious. “I think we could all see that it didn’t look well and didn’t look good. Let’s wait and see what it will be. But we could all see it didn’t look good,” he said.

Slot added that the situation is difficult for both the team and the player. “Losing a game is already very hard, especially in the way we lost it, but again - as it seems to be - losing a player is something we’ve had so many times this season,” he said.

He also highlighted the timing of the injury. “It’s especially very hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially not at this moment of time in the season,” Slot said.

Ekitike has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers since his arrival. In January, he became only the second player after Kenny Dalglish to score in five different competitions during his debut season with the club.

The striker made his international debut for France national football team in September and was expected to be part of the squad selected by Didier Deschamps for this summer’s World Cup.

Liverpool have faced several injury setbacks this season. Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are both ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and midfielder Wataru Endo also remain unavailable due to injuries. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak recently returned to action after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in December.

Liverpool now await confirmation of Ekitike’s condition, with concerns growing over his availability for both club and international duties in the coming months.

Hugo Ekitike Injury Blow: Liverpool Fear Long Lay-Off After PSG Defeat

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