Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has provided an encouraging update on his recovery from the Achilles injury that ended his breakthrough season early, with the forward now back at the AXA Training Centre.
Hugo Ekitike has taken another step in his recovery from a serious Achilles injury as Liverpool continue to monitor the forward’s progress ahead of the new season.
The French striker returned to the AXA Training Centre earlier this week for an assessment of his rehabilitation process, almost three months after suffering the injury that brought his maiden campaign at Anfield to a premature end.
Ekitike sustained the problem during Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in April, leaving the Reds without one of their most important attacking players during the final stretch of the campaign.
Despite only arriving last summer, the 23-year-old finished the campaign as Liverpool’s top scorer with 17 goals across all competitions, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.
A difficult end to a breakthrough season
Ekitike’s injury came at the worst possible time after he had enjoyed a remarkable first year on Merseyside.
The forward adapted quickly to the demands of English football and became one of the main attacking threats in Liverpool’s squad, making his absence a significant blow.
The Achilles problem also ruled him out of contention for France at the World Cup, a disappointment Ekitike admitted was difficult to accept, speaking to British GQ.
“Obviously I’m in touch with them but not a lot because they’re busy playing and I’m busy with my recovery.
“I wish I was there, but that’s life. I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff.”
However, Ekitike insisted he has accepted the challenge in front of him.
“That’s my challenge and I accepted it.”
Focus firmly on Liverpool return
While missing the World Cup was frustrating, Ekitike’s priority remains returning to full fitness and being ready to contribute for Liverpool again.
The striker’s return to the AXA Training Centre represents another positive step in that process, although the club are expected to take a cautious approach given the seriousness of an Achilles injury.
Ekitike has also shown his competitive mindset away from football during his recovery, recently attending the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
“It’s my first official game to go watch and have good seats and everything, honestly, it’s not something I’ve shown a lot but I really like tennis.
“It’s the kind of sport like boxing where it’s very individual. I like the fact that you have to deal with pressure for three, four, five hours in a game. It’s going to be intense, but I’m glad to be here.”
Author’s View Big period ahead upon Ekitike’s return
Liverpool supporters will be eager to see Ekitike back on the pitch after the impact he made during his debut campaign.
With Andoni Iraola now preparing for his first season in charge, having the club’s top scorer from last term available again could prove hugely important.
For now, the focus remains on patience and rehabilitation, but Ekitike’s return to the AXA provides an encouraging sign that his comeback is moving in the right direction.
