Hugo Ekitike injury latest as Liverpool star steps up Achilles recovery process in United States
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SportFootballLiverpool FCHugo Ekitike has been working with his personal physio out in the United States as he aims to return from a ruptured AchillesHugo 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 and long-term injury in the second leg of the Reds' Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on April 8.That setback ended his campaign immediately and also wrecked the forward's hopes of playing for France at this summer's World Cup.Nearly three months on, Ekitike has been working to an individually-tailored training programme and has been in California with physiotherapist Berengar Buschmann.Ekitike personally enlisted the German physio due to their long-standing relationship, which dates back to the Liverpool man's time with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.They have been extensively working on the injury in Los Angeles this week as the former Frankfurt star aims to recover as soon as possible from the debilitating setback.A video published on social media on Friday shows Ekitike working hard on his rehab in the gym, performing several exercises designed to strengthen the Achilles that have now included some work with footballs.In the video, Ekitike can be seen performing some basic ball juggling while also passing the ball back to the physio with and without the aid of crutches. Weight-bearing exercises that look to strengthen tendons have also formed part of the agenda.The 24-year-old can be seen working through a number of exercises including aquatic aerobics and drills designed to build up endurance in the ruptured Achilles, which is widely regarded as one of the most severe injuries for footballers.Ekitike is seen grimacing in pain during in some of the exercises with the rehab expert as the Reds' No.22 was put through his paces out on the West Coast of America.The update is likely to be viewed as good news by supporters keen to see last season's 17-goal top scorer return as soon as possible.Last month, French publication L'Equipe claimed Ekitike is looking to return around the typically hectic festive period, with a Boxing Day clash against Hull City pencilled in.However, it's understood 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 Andoni Iraola meets his new players for the first time at the AXA Training Centre.Ekitike signed for the Reds 12 months ago when the club agreed a fee worth up to £79m with Frankfurt.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!
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