Liverpool forward called up to France national team

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has been rewarded for his impressive start to life at Anfield with a late call-up to the French national team. 

The 23-year-old striker was drafted in by Didier Deschamps after Rayan Cherki of Manchester City withdrew from the squad due to injury.

Ekitike has hit the ground running in the Premier League, scoring in each of his first two appearances for Liverpool against Bournemouth and Newcastle. 

His sharp form has quickly caught the eye of the national selectors, who handed him a chance to earn his maiden international cap in France’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Cherki’s withdrawal came as a blow for Manchester City after the forward suffered a thigh injury that also ruled him out of their weekend clash with Brighton. 

Pep Guardiola confirmed following City’s 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium that the former Lyon star will be sidelined for up to two months, describing the recovery time as “seven or eight weeks.”

Ekitike, who was eligible to represent Cameroon through his heritage, opted to pledge his international future to France and now stands on the verge of his first appearance for Les Bleus. 

His inclusion adds extra firepower to a squad preparing to face Ukraine and Iceland in September’s qualifying fixtures.

The striker’s rapid rise has been welcomed by Liverpool supporters, who have already seen him play a key role in their strong start to the season. 

Signed in the summer to bolster the club’s attacking options, Ekitike’s early goalscoring return has eased the pressure on manager Arne Slot as he looks to defend the Premier League title.

France will be hoping Ekitike can carry his club form onto the international stage as they resume their push for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

For the young forward, it represents the chance to cap a remarkable first month in English football with the proud moment of pulling on the French shirt.