After months of uncertainty, setbacks, and rehabilitation, Hugo Ekitike’s road back to football is beginning to take shape.
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Liverpool fans have been handed some positive news regarding striker Hugo Ekitike, with reports suggesting the French forward is aiming to return to competitive action sooner than previously expected.
According to reports from French outlet L’Équipe, relayed by Get French Football News, Ekitike is progressing well in his rehabilitation and hopes to resume training during the autumn before making his long-awaited comeback in late December.
The 23-year-old suffered a devastating rupture of his right Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year. The injury not only ended his season prematurely but also ruled him out of international duty with France ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Despite the severity of the setback, Liverpool’s medical staff are reportedly encouraged by his recovery. The striker has been focusing heavily on maintaining and improving his upper-body strength while his injured leg continues to heal. This approach is designed to ensure he returns in the best possible physical condition once he is cleared to bear weight and begin full football training.
Liverpool v Brentford - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - May 24, 2026 Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike before the match REUTERS/Peter PowellEkitike’s determination has impressed those close to the rehabilitation process. While the early stages of recovery were reportedly marked by significant pain and frustration, the forward has remained focused on the long-term goal of returning stronger than ever.
This will be music to the ears of new Liverpool Head Coach Andoni Iraola, as he sets to take the club into a new era.
Before his injury, Ekitike had emerged as one of Liverpool’s most influential attacking players. After arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, he adapted quickly to English football, contributing goals, assists, and a dynamic presence in the final third. His performances had many supporters believing he would become a key figure in Liverpool’s long-term plans.
A Boxing Day return would represent a major boost for Liverpool as they enter the demanding second half of the season. While the club will remain cautious with his recovery timeline, the latest update offers genuine optimism that one of their brightest attacking talents could be back on the pitch before the year is out.
For Liverpool fans, the message is simple: the road back has been long, but Hugo Ekitike is firmly focused on making his return and the signs are increasingly positive.
