Hugo Ekitike Targets Return

Hugo Ekitike is targeting a return to football by the end of 2026 after suffering a serious Achilles injury in April.

The Liverpool star was ruled out for the remainder of 2026 and will miss the World Cup.

Ekitike ruptured an Achilles tendon during a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.

He has already undergone surgery and is working on his upper body strength.

The 23-year-old French forward was left in 'immense pain' but is determined to make a quick recovery.

Ekitike's injury is a massive blow for both Liverpool and the French national team.

France boss Didier Deschamps sent Ekitike a message of support, saying he is certain the player will return to his best level.

Ekitike has set a timeline to return around Christmas time, with Liverpool monitoring his progress closely.

The striker has been working hard to regain his fitness and is expected to make a full recovery.

And Liverpool are pleased with the progress Ekitike has made so far.

But the road to recovery will be long and challenging for the young Frenchman.

So Ekitike is focusing on his upper body strength to make his return quicker once he is fit enough to play.

Ekitike arrived at Liverpool last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of £69m.

He enjoyed a positive debut campaign at Anfield, scoring 17 goals before his campaign was curtailed by injury.

As part of his recovery, Ekitike has pretended that football 'ceased to exist' to protect his mental health.

Didier Deschamps, the France boss, was among those to have sent Ekitike a message of support following his injury.

Ekitike wrote on social media: "It’s hard, maybe even unfair. But I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you.

I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield."

The French national team will miss Ekitike's presence at the World Cup, but they are confident he will return to his best level.

Ekitike's determination and hard work will be crucial in his recovery, and Liverpool will be eager to have him back on the pitch.

The Reds will be monitoring his progress closely, and Ekitike will be working hard to regain his fitness.

Ekitike's return will be a welcome boost for Liverpool, and the player will be eager to make an impact on the pitch.