PARIS/LONDON: France striker ‌Hugo Ekitike will miss the World Cup, according to manager Didier Deschamps, after rupturing ans Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

Ekitike was in tears ​when carried off the pitch on a stretcher at Anfield in the ​first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 second leg defeat.

Deschamps said: “Hugo suffered a serious ⁠injury against PSG. Unfortunately, the severity of his injury ​will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and from taking part in ​the World Cup.”

Ekitike joined Liverpool in July from Eintracht Frankfurt and is their top scorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League. He has netted ​two international goals in eight appearances.

The 23-year-old made his France debut in ​September against Ukraine and scored his first goal against the same opponents in a 4-0 win ‌in ⁠November which secured his country’s place at the World Cup.

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