Hugo Ekitike was Liverpool's top scorer last season before a cruel injury stalled his progress at Anfield, with the striker hoping to make a speedy comeback after surgery
Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike's rehabilitation from a serious Achilles injury is going to plan.
Ekitike, 24, hasn't played since tearing his Achilles tendon during a Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain in April. The injury caused the Frenchman to miss the World Cup, leaving Liverpool fans dreading a lengthy lay-off.
Reports earlier this year suggested that Ektike was planning to return to first-team action around Christmas. That would be a huge boost for Liverpool, as it can often take athletes a year or more to return from an Achilles injury. While Iraola has refused to put a timeframe on Ekitike's return, the Reds boss has confirmed the striker is "doing very well."
Iraola has also provided an update on Conor Bradley's progress.
The Liverpool right-back injured his knee against Arsenal at the beginning of 2026. The injury was initially expected to keep Bradley out until early summer, but he's still waiting to make his comeback.
Asked about the pair on Thursday, Iraola said: "They are both doing very well. I think they are in a good place.
"Conor is not so far from training with the group – not like full training, but doing some things with the group. Hugo is a little bit behind that, but that was always the plan. He is still doing very well according to the plan."
When pushed for a timescale on the pair's return, Iraola said: "It’s difficult.
"When they have been injured for so long, it’s difficult to say. But I think Conor is not very far from starting doing things with us."
Liverpool returns to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to Brentford.
The Reds have picked up nine points from their first six league games this season, with Iraola making an indifferent start to his Liverpool career.
The Spanish tactician succeeded Arne Slot as Liverpool's head coach at the beginning of the summer.
Iraola has enjoyed more success in the cup competitions. The Reds defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League opener at Anfield last month before enjoying a 6-3 win against LASK in Austria on Wednesday.
Liverpool has also reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, following a 3-1 win against Tottenham last month. Iraola's players will face Chelsea at Anfield in the next stage later this month.
