Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike faces the prospect of missing the 2026 World Cup after suffering a severe right ankle injury during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG. The incident occurred in the 28th minute at Anfield, when Ekitike fell without contact while moving to receive the ball. He appeared to be in pain, then burst into tears as he was stretchered off the field.

According to French newspaper Le Parisien, initial diagnoses suggest the injury could keep him out for an extended period, potentially ruling him out of the World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off in two months. Doctors will need to conduct further examinations to determine the exact recovery timeline.

Ekitike lies on the field after sustaining an injury during the Liverpool - PSG Champions League quarter-final second leg on the evening of 14/4. Photo: DeFodi

Liverpool coach Arne Slot described Ekitike's injury as "quite serious." Slot stated, "I do not know if he will be able to return to play for the rest of this season." Liverpool has six Premier League matches remaining, aiming to secure a top 5 position. They currently have 52 points, four points more than Chelsea, who are immediately behind them.

Ibrahima Konate, Ekitike's teammate for both Liverpool and the France national team, expressed his concern. Konate said, "I do not know what to say, as the World Cup is approaching. This is truly difficult for him. I send him my encouragement."

Ekitike, an emerging forward for the France national team, has been in impressive form. The 23-year-old started and scored in a 2-1 friendly victory against Brazil on 26/3. Previously, he scored one goal in a 4-0 win against Ukraine during the World Cup qualifiers.

Ekitike in distress after his injury during the Liverpool - PSG Champions League quarter-final second leg on the evening of 14/4.

At the club level, Ekitike has been one of the top central forwards over the past two years. He scored 22 goals in 48 matches for Frankfurt last season and 17 goals in 45 matches for Liverpool this season.

France is in Group I at the 2026 World Cup, alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Bookmaker Bet365 lists Coach Didier Deschamps' team as the second favorite to win the tournament, with odds of 6/1, trailing only Spain at 5/1. France won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022.

France currently boasts one of the strongest attacking lineups in international football. In addition to Ekitike, Coach Deschamps' options include: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Maghnes Akliouche, and Randal Kolo Muani.

Thanh Quy (according to LP)