Liverpool have been warned that Hugo Ekitike may not rediscover his peak level until the season after next, following the serious injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
The French forward was stretchered off in the first half after what is believed to be a ruptured Achilles, an injury that is expected to rule him out for the remainder of the season as well as the World Cup. While an initial recovery period of around seven to nine months has been suggested, experts believe it could take significantly longer for him to return to full sharpness.
Sports scientist Dr Rajpal Brar explained that Ekitike will need time to adapt physically during his comeback, potentially relying more on his technique and game intelligence as he rebuilds his fitness. He also stressed the psychological aspect of recovery, pointing out the importance of regaining full confidence in his body and overcoming the fear of re-injury—an issue that often influences how players engage in physical duels and challenges.
Although a smooth surgery and rehabilitation process, supported by Liverpool’s medical staff, could see him return to action within expected timelines, reaching top form may take 12–15 months.
In a more severe scenario, he could be sidelined until midway through the 2026–27 season, with a return to peak performance potentially not arriving until the start of the 2028–29 campaign—a major setback given his importance to Liverpool this season.
With Liverpool pushing for Champions League qualification after significant summer investment, Ekitike’s absence—alongside ongoing concerns over Alexander Isak’s fitness—adds further difficulty to their campaign.
