Ekitike's Injury and Recovery Progress
Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's top scorer last season, is making strides in his rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered on April 8 during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old French striker, who scored 17 goals across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign, has been working with a personal physiotherapist in Los Angeles, California, to expedite his return.
Rehabilitation Details and Timeline
Ekitike has been under the care of German physio Berengar Buschmann, who met with Liverpool's medical staff at the AXA Training Centre earlier this year to develop a long-term recovery plan. Recent videos on social media show Ekitike performing exercises to strengthen the Achilles, including ball juggling, passing, weight-bearing drills, and aquatic aerobics. According to French publication L'Equipe, Ekitike is targeting a return on Boxing Day when Liverpool visit Hull City, but this timeline is considered optimistic by some. Liverpool are not imposing a strict deadline, and the striker will be eased back via cup matches if possible.
Comparisons with Other Players
Similar injuries have required lengthy recoveries. Celtic's Jake Carter-Vickers, who suffered an Achilles injury in October 2025, only returned in a pre-season friendly in July 2026. Arsenal's Eberechi Eze was sidelined for six months between May and November 2021 after the same injury. Ekitike has been out for about three months as of July 2026.
Current Status and Mental Resilience
Despite progress, Ekitike was photographed using crutches at Balenciaga's Haute Couture event in Paris and at Liverpool's training ground, indicating a return to full training is still distant. The striker, described as fun-loving and affable, is expected to rely on his positive personality to cope with the mental challenges of recovery. Liverpool paid £79 million to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt, and the club is committed to a cautious approach to ensure he returns at full fitness.
