Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is reportedly on course to return to action sooner than initially expected, providing a major boost for the club and head coach Andoni Iraola.
The 23-year-old suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury on April 14 during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Initial assessments suggested he would be sidelined for around nine months, with a possible return between January and April 2027.
However, according to L’Équipe, the French forward’s recovery is progressing faster than anticipated. He is aiming to resume training during the autumn and hopes to be fit enough to make his competitive return on December 26.
Ekitike underwent successful surgery in London just days after the injury and was later seen on crutches during Liverpool’s final match of the season against Brentford, raising significant concerns among the club’s supporters.
Reports also suggest that the striker could rejoin the France national team camp in the coming weeks as the squad continues its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
France head coach Didier Deschamps described Ekitike’s injury as “a huge blow,” especially considering the outstanding form the striker had shown before the setback.
Before suffering the injury, Ekitike had scored 17 goals in all competitions and was regarded as one of the key figures in Liverpool’s long-term project.