Hugo Ekitike has stepped up his recovery from a ruptured Achilles by introducing ball work into his rehabilitation programme in the United States. The Liverpool striker suffered the serious injury in the second leg of the Reds' Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on April 8, ending his campaign and ruining his hopes of playing for France at this summer's World Cup.
Rehabilitation in Los Angeles
Nearly three months on, Ekitike has been working to an individually-tailored training programme in California with physiotherapist Berengar Buschmann. The 24-year-old personally enlisted the German physio due to their long-standing relationship dating back to Ekitike's time with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. They have been extensively working on the injury in Los Angeles this week.
A video published on social media on Friday shows Ekitike working hard in the gym, performing exercises to strengthen the Achilles, including ball juggling and passing drills with and without crutches. Weight-bearing exercises and aquatic aerobics have also formed part of the agenda to build endurance in the ruptured Achilles, one of the most severe injuries for footballers. Ekitike is seen grimacing in pain during some exercises.
Return Timeline
Last month, French publication L'Equipe claimed Ekitike is targeting a return around the festive period, with a Boxing Day clash against Hull City pencilled in. However, a more informed timescale for his Liverpool comeback will only become clear once rehabilitation is complete. Ekitike is expected to report for sessions with the club's medical department later this month when manager Andoni Iraola meets his new players at the AXA Training Centre.
Ekitike signed for Liverpool 12 months ago for a fee worth up to £79m from Frankfurt. He was the Reds' top scorer last season with 17 goals, and supporters will be keen to see him return as soon as possible.
