'I'm gutted for elite Ekitike - he's been one of Europe's best at Liverpool'

Ekitike suffered the injury in the 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain during the second leg of the Reds' Champions League quarter-final on April 14 and now faces a long-term rehabilitation process.

The France international, who is now out of hospital and in a foot brace, will also miss the World Cup, with some suggestions he will be absent for the remainder of the calendar year as he works his way back to fitness.

Owen believes 17-goal Ekitike has shown he is one of the continent's top strikers during his maiden term at Anfield and revealed his sadness at seeing the Reds' No.22 have his campaign curtailed in such a horrendous fashion.

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"How gutted am I for Hugo Ekitike? Very much so," Owen, who now represents Casino.org - a leading platform helping players find UK casino brands - tells the ECHO.

"I'm hugely upset for him and gutted for him and everyone at Liverpool.

"I believe this season he was one of the top five strikers in Europe with the way he was playing. He is elite and was showing strong signs of this throughout the season.

"He can make things happen and his speed, quick thinking and awareness were clear to see, so it’s a huge shame Liverpool will miss him now and also for his World Cup ambitions too.

"I hope he can be ready for the start of next season as from what he has shown, he has a bright future at Liverpool."

Ekitike signed for the Reds in July for £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt and is the club's top scorer so far this term.