Liverpool Confirms Successful Ekitike Surgery, Rules Him Out of World Cup

Liverpool coach Arne Slot has announced that striker Hugo Ekitike has undergone successful surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon. This marks the first phase in a lengthy recovery journey for the 23-year-old player. The medical staff indicated that his absence could extend to several months, with his return timeline dependent on his precise response to the rehabilitation program.

The striker sustained the severe injury on April 14 during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, effectively ending his current season with the English club. His participation in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled between June 11 and July 19, has also been ruled out.

Assessing the medical situation, Arne Slot stated, "The operation was successful, and it's an important first step he had to overcome. However, in a long rehabilitation process like this, there are many crucial stages before determining the exact number of months required." The coach further commented on Ekitike's playing style and the impact of the injury, adding, "He is a player who relies heavily on physical explosiveness. Generally, it's not ideal to suffer this type of injury, but he might be an exception, and we don't know that yet."

Ekitike's injury adds to Liverpool's growing list of significant absences, which includes goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has missed the last six matches, and his backup, Giorgi Mamardashvili, sidelined for several weeks. These injuries coincide with a critical period of competition in major tournaments, placing the technical staff's options under a real test in the final stretch of the season.