Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League campaign began with a worrying setback as summer signing Will Wright was stretchered off during their clash with Atletico Madrid at Kirkby.
The 17-year-old forward, who joined from Salford City in August, went down after a challenge that left him needing several minutes of 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 is a cruel blow for the highly rated striker, who only recently arrived at Anfield and was tipped to be one of the academy’s standout prospects. Last season, Wright broke through at Salford, making his senior debut and featuring in the FA Cup, League Two, and EFL Trophy.
His arrival formed part of Liverpool’s broader summer recruitment strategy, which also brought in Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz to strengthen both the senior squad and youth pathway. Alongside fellow academy talents like Armin Pecsi and Giovanni Leoni, Wright was expected to play a major role under Rob Page’s U21 side this season.
With over 50 goals at youth level, Wright had already caught the attention of Premier League scouts before sealing his move to Liverpool. Now, the club faces an anxious wait to learn the extent of his injury.
Despite the setback, Liverpool’s academy has a strong record of guiding young players through difficult spells, and if Wright’s recovery goes well, his pathway to the first team remains firmly in place — though his debut campaign in red has been overshadowed by this early blow.
