Hugo Ekitike has been supported by his former club after rupturing his Achilles during Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday
Reims have sent their former academy graduate Hugo Ekitike a touching message after the serious injury sustained during Liverpool's Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old was stretchered from the pitch with a suspected Achilles problem, and now faces an extended period out of action.
French publications Le Parisien and L'Equipe both report that the forward has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg, an injury that could sideline him for as long as nine months.
Taking to Instagram, the club's official account wrote: "Launched at full speed towards the World Cup, only one injury could cut your momentum... You'll come back stronger Hugo, get well soon."
Ekitike progressed through Reims' youth system, spending ten years there before making his first-team breakthrough at 18. He went on to net 11 times in 28 outings before moving to PSG on loan, with a buy option reportedly worth €35 million (£30m).
While Liverpool have yet to officially confirm the severity of his injury, France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will miss this summer's World Cup.
In a statement, Deschamps said: "Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG. The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup.
"Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months. He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it. This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team. His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I'm convinced of it.
"But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he'll be fully behind the France team, and we're all thinking of him very strongly."
Reports indicate that Ekitike's injury could have an impact on Liverpool's transfer strategy, while Arne Slot has also acknowledged that his squad faces a significant 'challenge' as they look to cope without the services of the outgoing Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.