Anfield Watch
·7 May 2026
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·7 May 2026
An exciting forward sensation with 40 goals is coming to replace Alexander Isak.
Liverpool’s striker situation has been plagued by relentless misfortune this season, with injuries completely disrupting any chance of stability in the no.9 position.
What was supposed to be one of the squad’s strongest areas after the club invested close to £200 million has instead turned into a major problem, largely because of circumstances outside anyone’s control.
The issues began with Alexander Isak, whose season has been heavily interrupted by injury setbacks. His absence robbed Liverpool of a forward capable of stretching defences, linking play, and providing the mobility needed to lead the line effectively.
Just as optimism started to build around his return, Liverpool were dealt another huge blow.
Hugo Ekitike, initially signed to provide competition and depth before emerging as a key figure in attack, suffered a serious injury that has ruled him out for the rest of this campaign and much of next season as well.
The timing could hardly have been worse. With Isak gradually returning to fitness, Liverpool looked close to restoring some balance and continuity in the forward line before another setback struck.
Now, in yet another frustrating twist, Isak is expected to miss between one and two weeks with a fresh problem, once again leaving Liverpool without a recognised central striker. The constant interruptions have made it almost impossible for the team to establish rhythm, chemistry, or consistency in attack.
As a result, Liverpool have repeatedly been forced to improvise in the final third, underlining just how unfortunate their situation has been throughout the season.
But in football, every injury also creates an opportunity for someone else to step forward.
And right now, Liverpool have a young player emerging behind the scenes who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting talents at the club.
Will Wright only arrived at Liverpool in the summer, yet he has adapted almost instantly and already looks capable of making an impact at senior level.
Despite his age, Wright was not lacking experience before making the move to Anfield. While still just 16 years old, he had already broken into the senior setup at Salford City and made his FA Cup debut last season. Interestingly, the only other 16-year-old to feature in the third round of the competition during that campaign was Rio Ngumoha.
At youth level, Wright’s numbers were exceptional. He scored more than 40 goals across Salford’s academy sides last season, performances that quickly attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal were among the teams eager to sign him, but Wright ultimately chose Liverpool, a decision that already appears to be paying off for the Reds.
He wasted little time making an impression after arriving. On the very day his transfer was officially confirmed, Wright was handed an opportunity with the first team during a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao and came close to scoring on his debut.
That brief cameo offered a glimpse into why Liverpool rate him so highly. Wright looks fearless, sharp in front of goal, and ready to seize the opportunity created by the club’s current injury problems.
Since returning from the injury he suffered in September, Will Wright has wasted little time reminding everyone why Liverpool were so eager to sign him.
His performances at academy level have been consistently impressive, with the young forward averaging a goal contribution every 94 minutes in Premier League 2. Even more encouraging is his recent form, having registered 11 goal contributions across his last 12 appearances.
Those numbers have not gone unnoticed inside the club. Over the last month, Wright has regularly trained alongside Liverpool’s senior players and has also been included in several first-team matchday squads, clear signs that Arne Slot and his coaching staff see him as a genuine option.
Now, with Alexander Isak sidelined through injury once again, an opportunity has opened up for Wright to step into the spotlight and replace the Swede.
Given Liverpool’s lack of depth in the no.9 position, there is a very real chance Wright could be called upon to fill the void left by the Swedish forward in the coming weeks.
Isak has been absent in training this week and is not expected to be fit for the game against Chelsea.
Considering Wright's form, confidence, and rapid development, he has certainly earned the opportunity to prove himself at senior level - especially after how toothless Liverpool looked against Manchester United.
There is also relatively little pressure surrounding Liverpool at this stage of the season. With Champions League qualification looking increasingly secure, the focus can begin shifting toward preparation for next season and building for the future under Slot.
In that context, giving Wright meaningful minutes feels like a logical next step. It would allow Liverpool to assess one of their brightest young talents in a first-team environment while also helping the youngster gain valuable experience during Isak’s absence.







































