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Hugo Ekitike was forced off in the first half against Paris St-Germain Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a suspected Achilles injury during Liverpool's Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain on Tuesday. The France forward left the pitch at Anfield on a stretcher, and Liverpool fear he faces a long absence, and that he may miss the start of next season. On Wednesday, the 23-year-old went for scans, which are expected to confirm the extent of the damage. Ekitike joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last July and has been one of their standout performers this season, with 17 goals and six assists in all competitions. Speaking post-match about Ekitike, head coach Arne Slot said: "I think we could all see that it didn't look well and didn't look good. Let's wait and see what it will be. But we could all see it didn't look good. "In the second half, he went home so I haven't seen him yet. Losing a game is already very hard, especially in the way we lost it, but again - as it seems to be - losing a player is something we've had so many times this season. "It's especially very hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially not at this moment of time in the season. " In January, Ekitike became just the second player after Kenny Dalglish to score in five different competitions during their debut campaign with Liverpool. He made his France debut in September and was set to be part of Didier Deschamps' squad for this summer's World Cup. Liverpool have suffered a number of setbacks this season, with both Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley out for the rest of the season with injuries. Alisson Becker and Wataru Endo also remain sidelined, while Alexander Isak returned earlier this month from an ankle injury that he sustained in December. Maguire gets extra ban and will miss Chelsea trip 'I might not be here' - Stokes on facial injury Slot says VAR has gone against Liverpool - is he right? Your first look at a dark comic story of passion, heartbreak and love How eco-tourism helps protect Uganda’s mountain gorillas Hugh Bonneville stars in the new football mockumentary Dilly Carter unpacks what really matters to celebrities World Cup winner Kildunne reveals body dysmorphia struggle Are Kompany's Bayern a glimpse at football after Guardiola? Peaty wins British 100m title in 'astonishing' time. Video Peaty wins British 100m title in 'astonishing' time The marketing manager trying to match father's world record Will Iraola's summer exit speed up managerial merry-go-round? 'I should have died' - Taylor on 10 years since forced retirement The Briton who remains in demand in NBA at 74 Sophie's mum died of ovarian cancer - don't tell her it's taboo Mc Ilroy makes major warning after Masters triumph Another Sunday In Hell: The brutal race that thwarts the greats Where does Mc Ilroy rank among greats after Masters defence? Mc Ilroy holds nerve to win second successive Masters. Video Mc Ilroy holds nerve to win second successive Masters Man City smell blood - why Arsenal should fear title rivals Will Romero's tears become the enduring image of Tottenham's season? The decade-long struggle to get Fury & Joshua together England far from perfect but Red Roses machine marches on Will this be the biggest Women's Six Nations so far? What do you think is the most beautiful F1 car of all time? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

