Liverpool are bracing for a major setback after forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious Achilles injury that could sideline him for up to a year and rule him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France sent a strong message ahead of the global showpiece with a confident 3-1 win over Colombia, while Portugal were left frustrated by a resilient Mexico in a 0-0 stalemate.
France overcame Brazil 2-1 in an international friendly encounter at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Thursday.
Folarin Balogun has emerged as a key attacking force for AS Monaco this season, showing sharp form with four goals in his last four appearances in all competitions as the French club builds momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Endrick has insisted his loan move to Lyon was about football, not frustration, as the Real Madrid forward was presented to the media on Monday after completing his switch to France until the end of the season.
Hugo Ekitike's first season with Liverpool continues to gather momentum, with the 23-year-old France international delivering another decisive performance at Anfield on Saturday.