Liverpool handed MAJOR injury boost as 'fantastic' defender RETURNS

Liverpool were handed a major injury boost on Saturday as an exciting prospect returned to action.

It's not all rosy on the injuries front for Arne Slot at the moment with the likes of Harvey Elliott, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota ruled out of action.

Meanwhile, question marks remain over the fitness of Conor Bradley and Federico Chiesa as well.

However, the Reds have been boosted by the return of a highly rated prospect, who has been on the first team's periphery in the past after he returned to action for the club's U21 side in the mini-derby against Everton on Saturday afternoon.

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Isaac Mabaya returns from injury

Liverpool were defeated 2-0 in the mini-derby by their arch rivals.

However, there was a major silver lining in the Reds' defeat thanks to the return of Isaac Mabaya, who took to the pitch as a second-half substitute.

This was his first competitive appearance in a Liverpool shirt since featuring in the Reds' victory at Old Trafford over Manchester United's U21 side back in April.

There is no denying the last two years have been brutal for the Liverpool youngster, who featured in just his sixth competitive game against Everton during the period.

However, Mabaya has been highlighted by the club's U21 coach, Barry Lewtas for his fantastic character and his ability to persevere in spite of his difficult situation.

“Isaac’s sadly on that list of players who’ve missed a lot of football,” the under-21 boss told This Is Anfield.

“He is a fantastic character. He’s a strong boy, we’ve had these moments before with players who’ve come through the other side, we’ll just keeping working hard.”

With that attitude, Mabaya has everything he needs to get himself back to the level he was prior to his injury woes and he is an environment at Liverpool where he will be given the best possible help to do so.

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Why Isaac Mabaya's injury is a huge boost for Liverpool

Mabaya's stock among Liverpool supporters may have plummeted in popularity over the last 24 months or so, but it's important to remember just how exciting his potential was during the pre-season of the 2022/23 season.

In that campaign he was regarded ahead of the likes of Conor Bradley in the pecking order as a genuine back-up option to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Of course, injuries have definitely made his development stagnant over the last few years, but Mabaya is still only 20 years old. He has plenty of time to get back to the form which saw him make 18 goal contributions in 33 appearances for the club's U18 side.

If he does, Slot will have another hugely promising prospect to use in his first team squad.