- Liverpool have confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon during their Champions League match against Paris-Saint Germain on Tuesday.
- The injury means Ekitike will be sidelined for the rest of Liverpool's season and will miss this summer's World Cup.
- France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the 23-year-old striker's absence from the tournament, expressing significant disappointment for both Ekitike and the national team.
- Ekitike had a strong debut season for Liverpool, scoring 17 goals across all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League, following his £70m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt.
- He had earned eight caps for France and was expected to be a key forward option for his country at the World Cup, where France will begin their campaign against Senegal on 16 June.
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