No chance for the World Cup? Details emerge about Hugo Ekitike's horrific injury
The injury sustained by French striker Hugo Ekitike has turned out to be even more severe than initially feared.
Details: Renowned ankle tendon and ligament surgery specialist Nicolas Baudrier, after reviewing footage of the incident, delivered a grim verdict: with 90% certainty, the player has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. According to the expert, the nature of the injury leaves no doubt that surgery is unavoidable—effectively putting an end to the footballer's ambitions for this year.
As a result, Ekitike is certain to miss the remainder of the season. Recovery is expected to take between 9 and 12 months, casting doubt not only on his participation in preseason preparations, but also on most of the next campaign.
The biggest blow for the 23-year-old forward will be his inability to help his national team at the upcoming World Cup.
“If it is indeed an Achilles rupture, then the World Cup is over for him,” Baudrier stated.
The specialist emphasized that even in the best-case rehabilitation scenario, a professional athlete would need at least nine months just to return to the pitch.
Given the tournament's schedule in 2026, Ekitike has no realistic chance of recovering in time for the start of the world championship.
Reminder: Jürgen Klopp is in talks with Galatasaray.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
