Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is determined to maintain a positive mindset and has accepted the challenge that awaits during his long injury lay-off. 

Ekitike, who joined Liverpool in the summer for an initial £69m (€80m) transfer fee plus up to £9m (€10m) in add-ons, sustained an Achilles tendon rupture back in April. 

The 24-year-old suffered the injury in the second leg of Liverpool's quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and is expected to miss most of the 2026-27 campaign. 

He managed 23 goal contributions (17 goals, six assists) in 45 appearances in all competitions, a total only bettered by Dominik Szoboszlai (25) for Liverpool last season. 

Ekitike's injury also ruled him out of a potential spot in France's World Cup squad, with Didier Deschamps' side now preparing for a semi-final clash against Spain. 

And while Ekitike was disappointed at missing out on a first World Cup and finishing his debut season at Liverpool, he said he remained fully focused on coming back stronger. 

"Obviously, I'm in touch with them [the French players] but not a lot because they're busy playing, and I'm busy with my recovery," Ekitke said in an interview with GQ Magazine. 

"I wish I was there, but that's life. I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff.

"That's my challenge and I accepted it, so I'm happy for them and I hope they're going to reach the final, win it, and bring the cup back to France."

With Ekitike likely to be unavailable for Liverpool next season, the Reds have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna. 

Liverpool, who are now under the management of Andoni Iraola after Arne Slot's dismissal, are also reportedly interested in bringing Bradley Barcola to Anfield from PSG. 

The Reds are in the market for a forward after Mohamed Salah's stellar nine-year stint on Merseyside came to an end following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have also left the club on free transfers, while it has been reported that Liverpool are weighing up a move for Wolves' Joao Gomes. 

Iraola's first competitive game in charge of Liverpool comes on August 23 away to Newcastle United, before they return to Anfield six days later to face Nottingham Forest.