Hugo Ekitike, 23, who suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon two months ago, is aiming for a competitive comeback with Liverpool in time for the Premier League’s Boxing Day matches in late December 2026. A feature in L’Equipe highlights the Frenchman’s rehabilitation journey following the serious injury he incurred while playing against PSG during the Champions League quarter-finals.
Just days after the Achilles rupture, Ekitike had surgery in London after consulting with U.S. specialists, including the surgeon who performed Jayson Tatum’s Achilles operation. According to L’Equipe, Ekitike has experienced “immense pain” over the past two months, leading him to largely disconnect from incoming support messages, as if high-level football had “ceased to exist” for him.
Meanwhile, the report indicates that France national team manager Didier Deschamps has been in regular contact to provide support, as have his teammates from both France and Liverpool. Positive progress reports from Liverpool’s medical staff show that Ekitike is focusing on strengthening his upper body, preparing for the moment he can finally remove his boot and bear weight on his foot.
L’Equipe also notes that Ekitike may have the opportunity to reunite with his French teammates in the coming weeks along the Eastern coast of the United States, where Les Bleus are scheduled to compete in their three World Cup group stage matches. Ekitike plans to resume training in the autumn, with aspirations of returning to competitive action on Boxing Day.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval