Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike was carried from the pitch on a stretcher during Tuesday evening's Champions League quarter-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, with manager Arne Slot fearing the worst about what appears to be a serious Achilles problem.
The 23-year-old France international collapsed to the ground approximately 30 minutes into the match at Anfield, clutching his right ankle after pushing off to chase a pass.
"It looks really bad but we don't know how bad yet," Slot told reporters afterwards.
The Reds boss indicated he would be "surprised" if Ekitike features again before the end of the campaign.
Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike went down injured after about 30 minutes against PSG
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Slot revealed he had been unable to speak with Ekitike following the incident, as the forward had already departed the stadium by half-time.
"In the second half he went home, so I haven't seen him yet," the manager explained.
The suspected injury compounds what has been a wretched season for Liverpool on the fitness front. Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are all currently sidelined with long-term problems.
"Losing a player is something we have had many times this season, but it is especially hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially at this time of the season," Slot added.
Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off, likely ending his season and his hopes at the World Cup
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Ekitike's teammate Ibrahima Konate, who plays alongside him for both Liverpool and the French national side, voiced his distress at witnessing the incident.
"Ekitike, I am very sad for him. I hope he will come back. To be fair, I think it's bad," Konate told Amazon Prime.
The defender acknowledged he had heard various reports about the severity of the problem but declined to elaborate further.
"With the World Cup coming this summer, I think it is very hard for him in this moment. I send him my prayers," Konate said.
The defeat brought an end to Liverpool's European campaign for the season, with PSG progressing to the semi-finals after securing a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory.
Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League after their 4-0 aggregate defeat to PSG
| GETTYOusmane Dembele struck twice on the night to seal the 2-0 win for the reigning champions at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah came on to replace the stricken Ekitike but was unable to make an impact on proceedings.
Arne Slot will end the season with no silverware at Liverpool and under immense pressure
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Slot had started Ekitike alongside Alexander Isak, who was making his first appearance since suffering a broken leg in December.
Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League and will finish the season without a trophy.