Liverpool have dismissed reports linking Darwin Nunez with a sensational return to Anfield, while injured striker Hugo Ekitike has revealed an extreme coping mechanism for his Achilles injury.
Ekitike adopts drastic injury approach
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has taken the radical step of pretending football no longer exists as he works towards recovery from a devastating Achilles injury that destroyed his World Cup 2026 aspirations. The 23-year-old Frenchman sustained the setback during Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final encounter against Paris Saint-Germain in April.
Subsequent tests revealed he had ruptured his Achilles tendon, necessitating surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the calendar year. The blow was especially harsh for Ekitike, who had been aiming to earn his place in France's World Cup squad after an impressive goalscoring campaign for the Reds.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, the striker has endured immense pain in the months following the injury and, in a bid to safeguard his own mental wellbeing, has acted as though football ceased to exist. The strategy seems to be working, with Liverpool understood to be satisfied with the progress he has achieved thus far in his rehabilitation.
Taking to social media after his injury setback was confirmed, a dejected Ekitike wrote: "It's hard, maybe even unfair. But I'm grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I'm not alone."
Liverpool respond to Nunez claims
With Liverpool concerned about the long-term absence of Ekitike, fans were momentarily presented with what seemed to be a surprising solution – the return of former fan favourite Darwin Nunez. Reports surfacing from Uruguay suggested the Reds were planning to re-sign the 27-year-old as a free agent, with an official announcement scheduled for after his country's World Cup campaign.
The rumour rapidly spread across social media after respected Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero informed his followers on X that Nunez was heading back to Anfield, sparking enthusiasm amongst some Liverpool fans. However, the response has been markedly different internally, with club sources telling the ECHO they were puzzled by the claim.
Nunez's representatives have also privately dismissed the reports as inaccurate. The speculation was especially surprising considering it is fewer than 12 months since the Uruguay international departed Merseyside to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Nunez registered 143 appearances and 40 goals across all competitions during a three-year period at Anfield, having arrived from Benfica in 2022 for an £85 million fee.
