Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has received his first senior call-up to the French national team following an injury to Manchester City star Rayan Cherki, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Sunday.
The 23-year-old forward, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, has made a lightning start to life at Anfield with three goals in his first three competitive appearances. His form has now been rewarded with a spot in Didier Deschamps’ squad for France’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ekitike’s international breakthrough comes as France face a striker shortage since Olivier Giroud’s retirement. Despite being overlooked in the initial squad announcement, Deschamps has now turned to the clinical No.9 as Les Bleus prepare to face Ukraine in Poland and Iceland in Paris.
Cherki’s injury created the opening, with Guardiola confirming after City’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton that the playmaker suffered a torn left quadriceps and will be sidelined for around two months.
France’s injury concerns don’t stop there. Ousmane Dembele was forced off with a hamstring issue after scoring twice in PSG’s win over Toulouse, while William Saliba lasted just five minutes of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool after colliding with Ekitike. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate also limped off late in the same game, adding to Deschamps’ growing list of worries.
With key players sidelined, Ekitike’s call-up could not be more timely, offering France a new attacking option ahead of crucial qualifiers.
