Liverpool latest: Darwin Nunez transfer claim response as Hugo Ekitike goes to extreme lengths
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The truth has been revealed about rumours linking Darwin Nunez with a sensational return to Anfield, while injured striker Hugo Ekitike has revealed how he is coping on the sidelinesReplacing Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's foremost transfer objective since former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola took charge at Anfield. Here we examine two major stories involving the Reds.Ekitike adopts drastic injury approachLiverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has taken the radical step of pretending football no longer exists as he works towards recovery from a devastating Achilles injury that destroyed his World Cup 2026 aspirations.
All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageSubsequent tests revealed he had ruptured his Achilles tendon, necessitating surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the calendar year. The blow was especially harsh for Ekitike, who had been aiming to earn his place in France's World Cup squad after an impressive goalscoring campaign for the Reds.According to French outlet L'Equipe, the striker has endured "immense pain" in the months following the injury and, in a bid to safeguard his own mental wellbeing, has acted as though football "ceased to exist".
The strategy seems to be working, with Liverpool understood to be satisfied with the progress he has achieved thus far in his rehabilitation.Taking to social media after his injury setback was confirmed, a dejected Ekitike wrote: "It's hard, maybe even unfair. Reports surfacing from Uruguay suggested the Reds were planning to re-sign the 27-year-old as a free agent, with an official announcement scheduled for after his country's World Cup campaign.The rumour rapidly spread across social media after respected Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero informed his followers on X that Nunez was heading back to Anfield, sparking enthusiasm amongst some Liverpool fans.