Hugo Ekitike Injury Recovery Offers Liverpool Encouragement Ahead of New Season
Liverpool have received a timely lift in the shape of fresh signs of progress from Hugo Ekitike, whose rehabilitation from a serious Achilles injury appears to be moving forward steadily. The striker’s debut campaign at Anfield ended in brutal fashion almost three months ago, when he suffered the setback during Liverpool’s Champions League exit against former club Paris Saint-Germain.
Early expectations pointed towards a nine-month absence, a timeline which would have pushed any comeback well towards the end of 2026. More recent optimism has suggested a return could come around Christmas, and the latest footage of the forward at work has only strengthened that sense that his recovery is advancing in the right direction.
Ekitike injury recovery gathers pace
The 24-year-old has been working in California with physiotherapist Berengar Buschmann, with whom he has an established relationship. Video from Los Angeles showed Ekitike undertaking a demanding programme that included ball drills, aquatic aerobics and weight-bearing exercises aimed at rebuilding strength in the damaged Achilles.
The length of Hugo Ekitike's absence won't become clear until rehab has been completed but images of him training with the ball in Los Angeles this week are encouraging as the recovery from a ruptured Achilles goes on. https://t.co/vz45MMmXjv
There were visible signs of the effort involved, with the forward grimacing through parts of the session, a reminder of how punishing this stage of rehabilitation can be. Even so, these are encouraging images for Liverpool supporters eager to see one of last season’s key performers back in action.
Ekitike is also expected to return to Merseyside later this month for further work with Liverpool’s medical staff as players begin reporting back for pre-season at the AXA Training Centre. That next phase will be important, with the club likely to take a measured approach rather than rush him towards an early return.
Liverpool striker remains central to attacking plans
That caution matters because Ekitike quickly became a major figure in Liverpool’s forward line. He finished last season as the club’s top scorer and stood out as the summer arrival who adapted quickest to life at Anfield. His absence leaves a sizeable gap in the attacking unit, especially with Alexander Isak needing to deliver both goals and sustained fitness over the coming months.
Isak showed positive signs by getting through almost all of Sweden’s World Cup campaign before their elimination to France in the round of 32. Liverpool will hope that level of durability carries into the domestic season, particularly while Ekitike continues to build towards full readiness.
Road back to Anfield action still requires patience
Even when the Frenchman is cleared to return, there will be a natural settling-in period. Long-term Achilles injuries rarely allow players to resume at peak sharpness immediately, especially for a striker whose game depends on movement, acceleration and confidence in tight spaces.
For now, the focus remains on incremental progress. Liverpool will be encouraged by what they have seen from Ekitike’s latest training work, and those close to the situation will know that every successful session matters. The road back remains long, but the latest chapter suggests the Liverpool striker is moving, carefully and purposefully, in the right direction.
