Young Liverpool star injured; Andoni Iraola had plans for him

Liverpool's injury concerns have deepened after young right-back Isaac Mabaya went off injured during a Liverpool Under-21s match on Saturday. The injury comes at a difficult time for manager Andoni Iraola, who is already dealing with several long-term squad injuries. Mabaya had recently been included in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League squad as an emergency option.

The injury is also a major setback for Mabaya internationally, as he had just received his first call-up to the Zimbabwe national team. Liverpool's squad is currently thin in key areas, with striker Hugo Ekitik and right-back Conor Bradley both sidelined with long-term injuries, leaving Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak with increased responsibilities.