Heartbreak for Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike: Season and World Cup Dreams Shattered

Liverpool FC has announced a major setback as France striker Hugo Ekitike will be absent for the rest of the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. This injury also takes him out of contention for the upcoming World Cup.

Ekitike, who is Liverpool's leading goal-scorer this season, sustained the injury during a Champions League match against Paris Saint Germain at Anfield. His early exit from the game was pivotal as Liverpool was defeated 2-0, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate loss.

The club confirmed the extent of Ekitike's injury via scans, noting that he will be sidelined for the campaign's final weeks. France manager Didier Deschamps corroborated that Ekitike will, unfortunately, miss this year's World Cup in North America. Liverpool expressed full support for Ekitike during his recovery.

(With inputs from agencies.)