Liverpool have received a potentially significant boost regarding Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward reportedly progressing well in his rehabilitation from the ruptured Achilles that brought his impressive debut season on Merseyside to a premature end.

According to French journalists Loic Tanzi and Hugo Delom, Ekitike recently travelled to the United States to visit a specialist as part of his recovery programme. The latest update claims the 24-year-old remains on schedule and has now progressed to jogging, with November targeted for a return to fuller training and December emerging as a possible window for competitive action.

Liverpool have yet to publicly confirm those specific dates, so they should remain viewed as reported targets rather than a guaranteed comeback.

Ekitike suffered the Achilles rupture against former club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in April. Liverpool’s official profile confirms the injury ended his 2025/26 campaign and subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup. 

It was a cruel conclusion to a first season in England that had quickly established Ekitike as one of Liverpool’s most exciting attacking weapons.

The Frenchman finished his debut campaign with 17 goals from 45 appearances across all competitions, including 11 Premier League goals in 28 matches. He also registered four league assists, meaning he directly contributed to 15 Premier League goals in just over 1,800 minutes. 

At 6ft 3in, Ekitike possesses the frame of a traditional centre-forward but rarely plays like one. He is comfortable drifting into wider areas, carrying the ball at defenders and combining with teammates before attacking space inside the penalty area. That versatility was already evident during his breakthrough at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Before joining Liverpool in July 2025, Ekitike produced 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances during his final full campaign in Germany. He attempted a Bundesliga-high 115 shots and created 44 chances for Frankfurt as his reputation exploded across Europe. 

His route to Anfield had taken him from hometown club Reims through Vejle, Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt, where he accumulated 26 goals and 14 assists across 64 competitive appearances. 

Achilles injuries demand patience, and Liverpool will understandably avoid rushing one of their most valuable attacking assets. But simply seeing Ekitike reach the jogging stage represents another important milestone.

December remains a target rather than a promise. For Liverpool fans, though, the prospect of seeing their No.22 leading the line again is beginning to feel a little more tangible.

Do you think Hugo Ekitike will play another competitive game in 2026? Leave your thoughts and comments below.