Liverpool handed major boost as ‘fantastic’ defender makes HUGE injury progress

Liverpool’s youth movement is only going from strength to strength this season.

The League Cup game against Brighton saw Tyler Morton make his first start this season, playing 64 minutes and registering the team’s third-best rating on FotMob with 7.6.

Trey Nyoni also finally made his first-team debut, replacing Wataru Endu for the last 25 minutes as Liverpool saw out a 3-2 victory to reach the fifth round.

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And the youth teams have been putting up promising showings too, with Rio Ngumoha and Amara Nallo making names for themselves in this young season.

One of the most noteworthy stories of late was the return of Isaac Mabaya to the under-21 squad. The 20-year old made a comeback from injury last weekend, seeing out the last 25 minutes of a 2-0 loss to rivals Everton.

And Mabaya finally made his first start since September 2023 yesterday, playing out the first half in Liverpool under-21s eventual 4-1 win over Wolves.

'Fantastic' Mabaya makes return

It is incredibly promising news for the young right back who has only been able to make two appearances in the past 14 months before last weekend due to extensive injury issues.

The most recent injury was sustained against Manchester United under-21s back in April. Mabaya cut a visibly frustrated figure that day, reportedly kicking the advertising hoardings and holding his head in his hands as he had to leave the pitch.

But under-21 coach Barry Lewtas remained high on the youngster.

“Isaac’s sadly on that list of players who’ve missed a lot of football,” he said to 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.”

Mabaya made a wider name for himself when he was featured in the first team squad’s preseason tour in 2022. And whilst injuries have provided a significant setback since then, the club’s slow reintegration of him back into the team highlights just how significant they think he can be.

His talent levels are clear, with him grabbing 18 goal involvements in 33 games for the under-18s back between 2020-22.

And with the future of Liverpool’s right-back situation still unknown, he may be needed sooner rather than later.

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