US EditionEkitike Wins Late France Call up as Cherki Drops Out
Hugo Ekitike earns first France call-up after scoring in three consecutive Liverpool matches, replacing Rayan Cherki sidelined for two months due to a quadricep injury.
- Hugo Ekitike was called into France on Aug 31, 2025, replacing injured Rayan Cherki, the French Football Federation announced Sunday.
- Cherki picked up a torn left quadriceps in training this week, and Pep Guardiola said he is out for two months after missing the Brighton match.
- The 23-year-old Ekitike has begun at Liverpool by scoring in each of his first three competitive games since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt and previously netted five goals in five appearances for the France Under-21 team after progressing from Reims youth academy.
- Deschamps now has a fresh option up front for France's opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine in Poland and Iceland in Paris on September 9, giving Ekitike the chance to earn his first senior cap.
- Eligible for Cameroon through his father, Hugo Ekitike's France selection rewards his form and marks a milestone amid dual-nationality debates. Cameroon coach Marc Brys recently emphasized Cameroon won't be a fallback option.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Called together this Sunday as a team from France to replace Rayan Cherki, Hugo Ekitike was rewarded for his perseverance. From Reims to Liverpool to Paris and Frankfurt, he bounced back after difficult moments to win at the highest level.
Touched during Arsenal's defeat in Liverpool (1-0) this Sunday in the Premier League, William Saliba has to declare a package for the French team rally. Benjamin Pavard is expected Monday in Clairefontaine.
Radio France Internationale
Ekitike wins late France call up as Cherki drops out
The pitfalls pile up for the French team before the start of World 2026 qualifying, the Rayan Cherki package having benefited Hugo Ekitike while defenders William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté...
Ekitike handed first France call-up after Cherki thigh injury
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has received his first call-up to the France squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers, replacing injured forward Rayan Cherki, the French Football Federation said on Sunday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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