Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League campaign began with a worrying sight as summer signing Will Wright was stretchered off during the clash with Atletico Madrid at Kirkby.
The 17-year-old forward, who joined from Salford City in August, suffered the setback following a challenge that left him requiring prolonged on-field treatment before being carried off. Journalist Ian Doyle reported on X that Wright “appeared to jar his knee in a challenge.”
The injury comes only weeks after Wright’s move to Anfield, where he had been tipped as one of the standout prospects following his breakthrough at Salford. Last season, he made his senior debut and featured across the FA Cup, League Two, and EFL Trophy.
Wright’s arrival was part of Liverpool’s broader recruitment drive that included Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz to strengthen both the senior squad and youth pathway. Alongside fellow academy prospects like Armin Pecsi and Giovanni Leoni, he was expected to play a significant role under Rob Page’s U21 side this season.
Having scored more than 50 goals at youth level before attracting Premier League attention, Wright had quickly marked himself as one to watch. Liverpool now face an anxious wait to determine the extent of his injury, though the club’s academy staff have a strong track record of helping young players through difficult spells.
Should his recovery progress well, Wright’s path to the senior squad remains intact — though his first steps in Liverpool red have been overshadowed by this early setback.
