Wigan Athletic boss Ryan Lowe has voiced his concern over Isaac Mabaya’s injury as the loan defender was forced off in his first start for the club.
Wigan Athletic new boy Isaac Mabaya made his competitive debut in their Carabao Cup round one win against Notts County. WAFC beat the Magpies at the Brick Community Stadium.
Mabaya, 20, joined the Latics this summer from Liverpool on a season-long loan. However, he was stretchered off after 29 minutes with a non-contact injury, and manager Ryan Lowe is fearing the worst.
WAFC - Wigan Athletic boss ryan lowe
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
Speaking to Wigan Today, he said:
“But it’s probably not looking good, though, especially with his injury record…it doesn’t look good.”
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This comes as fellow defender Jamie Carragher suffered an injury in last weekend’s defeat to Leyton Orient, requiring surgery.
There was real excitement over his loan arrival, and manager Ryan Lowe was certainly impressed to see the defender arrive in WN5 .
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Wigan Athletic boss said:
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“I’ve known of Isaac for many years – he’s had a few injuries, but feels like he’s back to where he belongs.
“I nearly signed him when I was at Preston North End, knowing his pedigree and what he’s about – he’s a powerful right wing-back who will definitely give us something down the right-hand side.
“We saw him first-hand against us for Liverpool U21s, and he’s fit, firing, and really excited to be here. We’re delighted to have him on board and feel he’ll be a really good addition.”
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Isaac Mabaya’s journey to Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic snapped up Mabaya to boost their wing-back options. He was focussed on battling it out for the starting position with fellow summer signing Fraser Murray in the right-wing back position.
The England youth international started his career at Liverpool. Since 2019, Mabaya has been representing England at youth level, making a total of nine appearances between U15 and U20 level level. However, he was called up to the Zimbabwe squad two seasons ago.
WAFC - Wigan Athletic stadium
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
He boasts qualities Lowe obviously admirers too, having tried to sign him as Preston North End boss. Mabaya has tasted first-team action at the highest level with Liverpool, serving as part of the Champions League squad in 2025 and making competitive debut against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.
Maybaya’s impressive qualities have not gone unnoticed by parent club Liverpool either. In 2023, Mabaya signed a new contract to commit his long-term future to the Premier League Champions.
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What now for Wigan Athletic?
Wigan Athletic are back in action on Saturday afternoon with a home game against Peterborough United in the third League One fixture of the season. WAFC will be looking to continue their strong home form, with a clinical performance against the Posh as they aim to stay unbeaten at home.
The Lancashire club then play Luton Town away from home in the league. The Hatters defeated WAFC’s next opponents 2-0 in their last outing.
Lowe has the chance to sign more players between now and the end of the transfer window. Loans and free transfers have been the focus as the boss focuses on players who ‘buy into’ his project at the Wigan, with outgoings potentially being considered.
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