Hugo Ekitike is targeting a return to Liverpool action by Boxing Day as the Reds forward continues his recovery from the serious injury that has caused him 'immense pain'.
Injury and Recovery
The Liverpool forward ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a Champions League match against Paris-Saint Germain two months ago and has subsequently missed the World Cup. Ekitike had been the brightest of the Reds' new arrivals in a disappointing campaign last season, scoring 17 goals up to April's Champions League second leg clash with his former club Paris-Saint Germain.
It was there that the forward was left in agony after rupturing an Achilles tendon in his right leg, an injury that has led to him missing his first World Cup with France. The seriousness of the injury, one famously suffered by John Barnes during his time at Anfield, has raised concerns over whether Ekitike could return the same player, but a new report says he is now targeting a Christmas comeback.
Pain and Progress
L'Equipe claims that Ekitike has been in 'immense pain' for the past two months as he tries to come to terms with missing the World Cup, something that has prompted him to pretend that football 'ceased to exist' as he sought to reconcile with the cruelty of the injury. Ekitike, who was seen on the pitch on crutches after Liverpool's final game of the season against Brentford last month, underwent a successful operation in London days after the injury.
The procedure was undertaken by American specialists including the surgeon who oversaw Boston Celtics basketball player Jayson Tatum's operation when he suffered the same injury. Tatum suffered the injury in the second round of the NBA playoffs in May 2025 and returned in March this year.
Support and Future Plans
The report adds that Liverpool staff are pleased with Ekitike's progress, and he has been working on his upper body strength to be able to return to action quicker when he is allowed to take his protective boot off. Ekitike has received messages of support from both his France and Liverpool teammates, with France boss Didier Deschamps regularly calling him to check in. He could soon head over to the US to meet up with the French squad at the World Cup.
