French football has been hit with a major setback following the serious injury to Hugo Ekitike, who likely suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain clash in the UEFA Champions League. The striker left the pitch in tears and is expected to be sidelined for around nine months, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup.

This is a significant blow not only for his club but also for the national team led by Didier Deschamps. Medical experts, including Nicolas Baudrier, suggest that such injuries are almost always complete ruptures, reinforcing the severity of the situation.

There is, however, some relief for PSG. Teammates Nuno Mendes and Désiré Doué also picked up knocks during the match, but their injuries appear minor. Mendes is dealing with slight muscle discomfort, while Doué suffered a knee knock without serious damage.

Head coach Luis Enrique downplayed concerns, noting that such issues are common in high-intensity matches. Both players are expected to return soon.

While PSG avoids a double setback, Ekitike’s injury casts a long shadow, especially with a major international tournament on the horizon.

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