Didier Deschamps Explains Liverpool Forward Hugo Ekitiké Absence from France Squad

Despite his electric start to life at Liverpool, Hugo Ekitiké has once again been overlooked for senior international duty with France.

Hugo's goal was so quick, Arne missed it! 😅 pic.twitter.com/tcOjYN1ELv
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 26, 2025

The 23-year-old striker has hit the ground running in England following his €95m move from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, scoring three goals in as many games for Arne Slot’s side. His early impact has quickly made him a fan favourite at Anfield, but it has not yet been enough to convince Didier Deschamps.

Ekitiké is no stranger to making waves at club level. After emerging at Stade de Reims and experiencing a brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain, he reignited his career in Germany, netting 26 goals in an 18-month stint with Eintracht Frankfurt. Yet the forward is still waiting for his senior breakthrough with Les Bleus, having previously represented France at youth level.

Competition in places for Ekitiké

When unveiling his squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland, Deschamps explained his decision to leave out the Liverpool forward.

“Hugo, what he did last season and now at Liverpool… we were already following him at Frankfurt,” Deschamps said. “It is good for him! It is great that he is efficient, but there is competition. I am not going to accumulate players, but he has the potential to play for the France national team.”

Instead, the France manager has opted for tried and trusted names in attack, with Marcus Thuram, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé all capable of leading the line. Younger talents such as Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise were also included, underlining the depth of options available to Deschamps.

Waiting for his chance

While the omission will be a disappointment for Ekitiké, Deschamps’ comments suggest the door remains open. Should he maintain his prolific form in the Premier League and Europe this season, the Liverpool forward may well force his way into the France squad in the near future.

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For now, though, Ekitiké must continue to impress at club level — a stage where he has already made a flying start in Liverpool red.