Hugo Ekitike Walks Unaided, Marks Achilles Recovery Milestone
**Hugo Ekitike** took a major step in his comeback on 3 July 2026, walking unaided and with a natural gait for the first time since rupturing his Achilles. The 24‑year‑old French striker posted the video from physiotherapist **Berengar Buschmann**’s Los Angeles clinic, showing the moment he slipped the protective boot and steadied himself on his own feet.
The Instagram clip, shared by Buschmann, captured Ekitike stepping onto a flat surface, then onto a gentle incline, all without crutches. The caption highlighted two milestones: “Getting out of the boot is one milestone, seeing your gait slowly become more natural is another.” The footage shows the striker’s stride still slightly cautious, but the heel‑to‑toe motion looks markedly smoother than the shuffling seen in earlier rehab videos.
An Achilles rupture can sideline a forward for six months or more, especially when the injury occurs during a high‑intensity sprint. Liverpool’s medical team has been meticulous, avoiding any sudden load on the repaired tendon. Each phase-from weight‑bearing on a boot to walking on small slopes-is designed to rebuild confidence and muscle memory. Ekitike’s ability to walk unaided suggests his tendon is tolerating normal forces, a sign that the next phase-light jogging and controlled drills-may be on the horizon.
Buschmann explained that the process still hinges on “patient, criteria‑based” progression. The striker now practices walking up and down low ramps, focusing on balance and symmetry. Crutches have been removed, but the protective boot remains for short periods to guard against unexpected stress. Strengthening exercises target calf raises, eccentric loading, and proprioceptive drills. The plan aims to restore the explosive push‑off needed for a striker’s sprint and sudden changes of direction.
Ekitike has hinted at a target return date of Boxing Day, 26 December 2026-just over five months after his surgery. While ambitious, the timeline aligns with Liverpool’s preseason schedule, giving the club a chance to assess his match fitness before the second half of the Premier League campaign. In his absence, manager **Andoni Iraola** has relied on **Alexander Isak**, **Cody Gakpo**, **Rio Ngumoha**, **Federico Chiesa**, and new signing **Victor Munoz** to fill the attacking void.
The next update is expected to show Ekitike adding short jogs to his routine, a clear indicator that the striker is edging closer to full training. If his gait continues to normalize, Liverpool could have a potent option back in the squad before the holiday fixtures begin.
Liverpool supporters flooded social media with encouragement, posting messages like “Welcome back, Hugo!” and “We’ve missed your pace.” The positive response underscores the striker’s popularity and the anticipation surrounding his potential impact once he’s fully fit. For now, the focus remains on steady progress, not rushed returns, as the club safeguards both the player’s health and its long‑term attacking plans.