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Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off injured during the early hours of this morning's Champions League match, with specialist Dr. Nicolas Baudrier stating there is a 90% chance of a severe Achilles tendon rupture.
In the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Liverpool lost 0-2 at home to Paris Saint-Germain, being eliminated 0-4 on aggregate. In the 28th minute of the first half, Ekitike collapsed to the ground injured without any contact, and was subsequently substituted, causing great concern over his condition. Dr. Nicolas Baudrier, an expert in ankle, Achilles tendon and ligament injuries, analyzed Ekitike's injury.
How to explain Ekitike's sudden injury?
If it is indeed the Achilles tendon injury we suspect, it usually does not occur during contact with an opponent. Such injuries often happen when changing supporting feet or jumping. Players often describe the feeling as a bolt from the blue, as if they have been tackled by an opponent. Just like Ekitike, he even looked back, thinking someone had kicked him, but in fact there was no one behind him. This is indeed consistent with an Achilles tendon injury.
What are the causes of this injury?
There may be pre-existing pathologies, chronic tendinitis, minor cracks, cysts or stretching defects in the triceps surae aponeurosis. The soleus muscle, medial gastrocnemius and lateral gastrocnemius muscles combine to form the Achilles tendon, which is one of the thickest tendons in the human body and therefore one of the strongest. When these muscles contract sharply, the Achilles tendon may become inflamed, and in some cases encountered by professional players, it may even lead to rupture.
Based on match footage, is there any possibility that Ekitike avoided a complete Achilles tendon rupture?
There is almost no such thing as a "partial rupture" - once it ruptures, it is a complete rupture. Based on this footage, there should be no other causes. He stood up twice but couldn't walk. Objectively speaking, I think his Achilles tendon is ruptured. He will undergo an ankle MRI scan to confirm the injury, which is a must for professional players to ensure an accurate diagnosis. However, looking at this footage, I believe there is a 90% chance of an Achilles tendon rupture.
How long will he need to recover?
He must undergo surgery. For professional players, it is best to return to the field nine months after surgery. If diagnosed with an Achilles tendon rupture, the World Cup will be over for him.
Did Doué's injury in this match also cause concern?
If it was a blow to his right leg, it would be a direct trauma and contusion, which I don't think will cause him much trouble. There are many different degrees of muscle injuries, and I am more optimistic about Doué's injury compared to Ekitike. There is also Mendes, who may have suffered another hamstring strain.
