Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike was forced off in tears just eight minutes into Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton, sparking fears over his availability for France’s upcoming World Cup warm-ups and the Champions League.
Hugo Ekitike appeared inconsolable after a heavy challenge from James Milner ended his afternoon prematurely at the Amex.
The 23-year-old, who has scored 11 Premier League goals since his £79m move, attempted to play through a suspected dead leg before being replaced by Curtis Jones.
His emotional exit comes at a “crucial stage of the season” with a Champions League quarter-final against PSG looming.
The injury clouds Ekitike’s chances of securing a spot in Didier Deschamps’ final France squad for the 2026 World Cup.
While Liverpool struggled without his presence, Brighton made history through Danny Welbeck.
The veteran striker joined an exclusive club of players aged 35 or over to score 10+ Premier League goals in a season, as the Seagulls secured a vital three points.