Hugo Ekitike's World Cup participation is in doubt after the Liverpool forward was stretchered off with a suspected Achilles injury during the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old went down off the ball in clear agony, and Liverpool's medical team quickly signalled for a stretcher.
Ekitike was replaced by Mohamed Salah on the right flank, but the Egyptian failed to make an impact as Liverpool lost 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate. The injury could have devastating implications beyond the club, with Ekitike due to represent France at this summer's World Cup.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed concern after the match, saying: “Hugo looks really bad but it is difficult to say how bad. Let’s see. It doesn’t look good, that is clear.” Club and international teammate Ibrahima Konate added: “I think it is bad. With the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him and I send him my prayers.”
PSG also suffered injury setbacks, with left-back Nuno Mendes limping off eight minutes after Ekitike's replacement, and winger Desire Doue forced off after colliding with an advertising board. Doue had scored in the first leg but was unable to continue despite treatment.
