Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!Hugo Ekitike has suffered a devastating injury blow that could keep him out for the rest of the year and end his hopes of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Liverpool forward ruptured his Achilles during their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, April 14. The incident occurred in the first half at Anfield, where he signalled distress before receiving treatment and leaving the pitch on a stretcher.Ekitike was replaced in the 31st minute by Mohamed Salah, with Liverpool going on to lose 2-0 on the night and crashing out 4-0 on aggregate.Read alsoHeartbreaking video of Dominic Frimpong’s family home leaves fans emotionalPAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!Concerns were immediate, and those fears have now been realised. Reports from L’Equipe confirm a full rupture of the Achilles, an injury expected to sideline the 23-year-old for around nine months.Liverpool boss Arne Slot did little to hide his worry after the game, as noted by Goal.The diagnosis rules him out of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, dealing a painful setback at a time when his international career was gaining momentum.The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker had been growing into a key option for Didier Deschamps, scoring twice in his last four appearances for France.Social media users have already reacted to the news with a mix of shock and support.Read alsoDominic Frimpong's death: Emotional tributes pour in from heartbroken fans@CUbadigbo88910, a Liverpool fan, lamented:@rodwavevibe wrote:@JimKarasBoxing chimed in:@Nmawazo added:@OlarewajuToyin6 summed up:His absence leaves a significant gap in France’s attacking plans. Ekitike had found form this season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions for Liverpool and delivering a crucial winner against Brazil last month.He had been building a promising partnership alongside Michael Olise, offering strong support to Kylian Mbappé as France look to reclaim the World Cup.Read alsoSupercomputer predicts Premier League winner after Bournemouth silence ArsenalNow, attention turns to other options. Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram and Jean-Philippe Mateta are among those who could step in as Didier Deschamps reshapes his squad.Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted a list of players set to miss the 2026 World Cup, including Rodrygo of Brazil and Mohammed Salisu of Ghana. Both players have been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.JOIN IN: Suspicious Content In Your Feed? Bust It With Our Free and Brief Fact-Checking Course. Get a Certificate!Source: YEN.com.gh Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: [email protected].