Isaac Mabaya's full debut for Latics lasted less than half an hourplaceholder image
Isaac Mabaya's full debut for Latics lasted less than half an hour
Ryan Lowe admits he fears the worst after on-loan Liverpool defender Isaac Mabaya had to be stretchered off inside the first half-hour of Wigan Athletic's Carabao Cup first-round victory over Notts County.
Mabaya, who only joined Latics less than a fortnight ago on a season-long loan arrangement, was making his first start for his temporary club.
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But from the moment the 20-year-old England junior international – who was called up by the full Zimbabwe squad two seasons ago – went to ground in front of the East Stand, it looked as though he'd suffered a bad injury.
And Lowe did little to allay those fears in his post-match press conference.
"He's in a boot at the moment," reported the Latics head coach. "I don't really know right now.
"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.
"I've monitored him for a long time now, going back to when I was at Preston North End.
"He's had his ups and downs with injuries, but we thought this one might be the year for him - both ourselves and Liverpool thought that.
"We're just hoping...we know it's something to do with a lower limb, but I'm just gutted for him.
"He came here wanting to work and get into the team.
"We gave him that opportunity tonight, and lo and behold it hasn't worked out and after 20 minutes he has to come off the pitch.
"Tonight we felt was right for him to get 45 minutes, maybe an hour, and it's so disappointing for him and for us.
"We'll be there with him through thick and thin, I'm sure everyone at Liverpool will be the same, and we'll see how he is.
"But it's probably not looking good, though, especially with his injury record...it doesn't look good."
Lowe also confirmed the player will more than likely be returning to his parent club while the extent of the injury is ascertained.
"We'll address it when he comes back in tomorrow, and we'll speak to Liverpool to see what they want to do," added the Liverpudlian.
"He's Liverpool's player, he's Liverpool's asset, so we'll speak to them...our medical staff will speak to their medical staff.
"Gregor (Ricoh, sporting director) will speak to their hierarchy as well, and we'll decide together what's best for the kid.
"Knowing his injury record, and what he's done, he'll probably go back to Liverpool and let them address the situation from there."
Mabaya had previously spoken about his desire to use his time with Latics – and specifically Lowe – to propel him up the pecking order at Liverpool.
"Speaking to the head coach about what he expects from me, I believe I can bring value to the team,” he said. “I’ve had a few conversations with the gaffer, and I really like his philosophies and way of playing. I think it will be a great place to develop my career.”
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