Liverpool youngster Isaac Mabaya was stretchered off with a serious injury just 29 minutes into his first start on loan with League One side Wigan.
Mabaya, the 20-year-old right-back, joined Wigan on a season-long loan at the beginning of August, embarking on his first campaign of senior football.
But his time with the Latics is already at risk of being cut short, after he required a stretcher to be carried off the field during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Notts County.
After substitute appearances against Northampton and Leyton Orient in League One, Mabaya was entrusted with his first start in a more advanced attacking role.
The youngster unfortunately pulled up after attempting a sprint just before the half-hour mark, clutching his left ankle and needing immediate treatment.
Wigan’s medical staff determined he would need a stretcher to be helped off the pitch before undergoing further examination.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his side’s 1-0 win, head coach Ryan Lowe said he was not yet aware of the specifics of the injury and admitted “it’s probably not looking good.”
“I don’t really know yet, he’s been put in a boot, we’ll have to address him tomorrow,” Lowe explained.
“We’ll speak to Liverpool in the morning and we’ll see what’s best for him.
“But I’m just gutted for the kid, he’s a fantastic lad, he’s a great human being. I’ve monitored him for many years now, when I was at Preston; he’s had his ups and downs with injuries.
“We thought this might be the year he can kick on, us and Liverpool thought that.
“I don’t really know what it is at the moment, to be honest, I know it’s to do with his lower limb.
“I’m just gutted for him, he’s come here wanting to work hard, get in the team, I gave him an opportunity tonight and lo and behold after 20-odd minutes it’s not worked out.
“He’s been coming on the pitch for that type of time, so we just felt it was the right time to get maybe 45 minutes, maybe 60, but just disappointed for him.
“We’ll be there with him through thick and thin and I’m sure everyone at Liverpool will. We’ll see how he is, but it’s probably not looking good.”
Mabaya has struggled with a number of injuries in recent years which has blighted his progress after an initial breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp during pre-season in 2022.
It remains to be seen if his loan at Wigan will continue or if he is brought back to Liverpool for his recovery, as with the transfer window still open Lowe may seek an immediate replacement.