- Liverpool have confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon during their Champions League match against Paris-Saint Germain on Tuesday.
- The injury means Ekitike will be sidelined for the rest of Liverpool's season and will miss this summer's World Cup.
- France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the 23-year-old striker's absence from the tournament, expressing significant disappointment for both Ekitike and the national team.
- Ekitike had a strong debut season for Liverpool, scoring 17 goals across all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League, following his £70m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt.
- He had earned eight caps for France and was expected to be a key forward option for his country at the World Cup, where France will begin their campaign against Senegal on 16 June.
IN FULL
Hugo Ekitike ruled out of World Cup as Liverpool confirm extent of devastating injury