Didier Deschamps has confirmed Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of France's World Cup squad this summer following an injury sustained in Liverpool's defeat to PSG. The French side emerged as 2-0 winners at Anfield in the Champions League, with Ekitike spearheading the attack for the Reds.

However, the French striker collapsed in the 27th minute with a suspected Achilles problem, and he was replaced by Mohamed Salah shortly after the half-hour mark. Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted the injury looked serious after the full-time whistle, and now Deschamps has confirmed Ekitike's campaign is finished.

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."

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Ekitike will now play no part in France's World Cup campaign across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with Deschamps' side aiming to reclaim the trophy they won at the 2018 World Cup, having been defeated by Argentina in Qatar in 2022.

The ecact nature of the Frenchman's injury remains uncertain and Liverpool are yet to issue a statement regarding the setback, though reports suggest he could remain on the sidelines until as late as 2027.

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Slot said: "[It's] not too good, we could all see that he didn't look well and didn't look right. We can all see it didn't look good. In the second-half he went home and I didn't see him."

"Again as it seems, losing a player is something we've had a lot this season. It's very hard for him because you never want to be injured at this time of the season."

Fellow French international Ibrahima Konate said: "I am very sad for him, and I hope he will come back. I think it's bad. I don't know."

"I heard many things. With the World Cup, all the things coming this summer, it's very hard for him at this moment - and I send him my prayers."