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Ekitike has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. "Les Bleus" coach Didier Deschamps had already confirmed the striker's absence from the tournament on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old Ekitike did not finish Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool's official statement did not specify the recovery period, which depends on whether it's a partial tear (approximately 6 months) or a complete rupture (9 to 12 months).
This represents a significant loss for Liverpool, not only for the remainder of the current season but likely for the start of the new campaign as well. The summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt had been one of the team's most prominent figures during a challenging period. Ekitike scored 17 goals and provided six assists across all competitions.
He solidified his undisputed position for the summer tournament with a goal in a March friendly against Brazil. He made his debut for the French senior national team last September and has been a regular fixture in the squad ever since.
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