Joyce provides a significant update on Ekitike’s injury following confirmation that he has undergone surgery.

Liverpool’s derby victory over Everton gave the season a much-needed boost on the pitch, but focus has already turned to longer-term issues, with a new update on Hugo Ekitike’s injury recovery coming to light. The French forward has been sidelined since picking up a serious problem in Europe, and it’s now been confirmed that his journey back to fitness is officially underway.

Ekitike undergoes surgery as recovery begins

According to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, there has been a major development regarding the striker’s condition. He reports that Ekitike has successfully undergone surgery on the Achilles injury he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League.

No timeline has been set for his return, with the player now beginning rehabilitation at the club. While the successful operation is encouraging, the lack of a clear return date highlights the severity of the injury.

For a player who was just starting to settle at Anfield, it means an extended spell on the sidelines as the team continues its push for Champions League qualification.

A long recovery journey ahead

The 23-year-old has already acknowledged the mental challenge ahead, sharing an emotional message with fans in which he spoke about relying on their support and the club during his recovery. That bond could be vital during what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation, especially given how demanding Achilles injuries can be.

Arne Slot also admitted how significant the setback is, describing it as a devastating blow for the young forward, though he expressed confidence that Ekitike can come back stronger.

His absence also affects the squad, with Liverpool already facing inconsistency in attack and concerns over depth in forward positions. Ekitike had shown glimpses of his potential, even if he hadn’t yet reached top form, and his injury removes another valuable option at a crucial stage of the season.

For now, patience is key. While the successful surgery is a positive step, it marks only the beginning of what is likely to be a long road back to full fitness for the Liverpool striker.

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Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off against Everton

Liverpool play host to Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, but may be without a wealth of key players. Arne Slot is feeling the string of a compacted season, as a number of his starting stars are sidelined through various injuries.

And at such an important part of the campaign, the Reds will need to be practically perfect between now and next month to secure their place in Europe for 2026/27. Liverpool sit fifth in the league standings as they head into their final five against Palace, Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.

Adding to the pressure, each of their opponents after this weekend’s game against Palace are also pushing for Champions League football for the new season. And while Slot will have hoped to have the pick of the bunch in terms of players to lean on as Liverpool look for a frenzied finish, the Dutchman has quite the medical list to navigate.

Here, the ECHO breaks down all of the latest Liverpool injury news ahead of Saturday’s run out at Anfield…

Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike has undergone surgery on an Achilles tendon rupture he sustained during last week’s Champions League reverse with Paris Saint-Germain on home soil. Not only is the Frenchman out for the rest of the season, but he will also miss this summer’s World Cup.

Liverpool will also be without the striker for half of next season if reports claiming he will be out of action for nine months ring true. Speaking about Ekitike’s injury, Slot said: “Devastating for him coming to a new club and having so much impact straight away.

“Playing against your former club in the Champions League quarter-final with so much to come for him in the summer. First thoughts are with him being out for such along time, missing out on so many special moments.

“Not the first and not the last player who experienced something like this at the start of their career, and so many examples of players coming back even stronger. 100% he will be one of those who say maybe this injury makes me even stronger and more ready to play at an even higher level.”

Potential return date – 2027

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Alisson

Alisson has been out of action since last month’s Champions League win over Galatasaray. While his exact issue has not been disclosed, Giorgi Mamardashvili has replaced him – though suffered an issue of his own in the Merseyside derby.

Taking to social media, Alisson suggested that he could make a return at the end of the month. He wrote: “I didn’t suffer a new injury. I’m in the treatment phase, and the plan is to be in full playing condition by the end of April!”

Slot has also said of the goalkeeper: “Towards the end of the season, we expect him to be fit.”

Potential return date – April 25 vs Crystal Palace

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Liverpool’s goalkeeping woes went from bad to worse when Mamardashvili was taken off during the Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday with a knee injury. The Georgian was stretchered off the pitch as Freddie Woodman was deployed in his place, while the Reds ran out 2-1 winners over Everton.

Speaking about the shot stopper after the match, Slot said: “He is gone off to hospital. It looked to me, and it is also what they told me, an open wound. It will not be a long term injury let’s see if he will be available next week.”

Potential return date – April 25 vs Crystal Palace

Giovanni Leoni

Giovanni Leoni has not featured for Liverpool since rupturing his ACL on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September. It has now been suggested that the centre-half will not feature for his club until next season.

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Potential return date – Next season

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo has been sidelined since sustaining a foot injury which left him in need of surgery during February’s trip to the Stadium of Light to play Sunderland AFC. While he is expected to recover in time to represent Japan at the World Cup, he will not feature for Liverpool again this season.

Potential return date – This summer

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