Isaac Mabaya’s first start for Wigan Athletic ended in disappointment on Tuesday after the young defender suffered an injury in the opening half-hour of their Carabao Cup first-round clash with Notts County.
The 20-year-old, on a season-long loan from Liverpool, was stretchered off after just 29 minutes, bringing his full debut to a premature end.
Wigan manager Ryan Lowe delivered a sobering initial update after the match:
“The medical staff spoke to me briefly at half-time, and I went over to see how he was. I’m just gutted for the kid – he’s a fantastic lad, a great human being.
He’s had his ups and downs with injuries, but we thought this might be the year for him – both ourselves and Liverpool thought that.
We know it’s something to do with a lower limb, but it’s probably not looking good, especially with his injury record.”
Mabaya had featured as a substitute in Wigan’s opening two League One fixtures but has endured long spells on the sidelines over the past three years due to recurring injuries.