Pedro Chirivella's Liverpool career was almost over before it started after surviving an X-rated challenge in the U18 mini derby this week.
The Spanish midfielder was the victim of a poor tackle from Joe Williams, who was shown a straight red card. Chirivella limped off but to the Reds' relief he only suffered a cut thigh.
Coach Neil Critchley told the Liverpool Echo: "Having seen the challenge again, Pedro was lucky to walk off.
"It wasn't just the one that caught him, there was another poor tackle just seconds before when their player went over the top of the ball.
"Pedro was lucky he got his leg out of the way but there was no avoiding the second one which caught him high up the leg.
"I'm sure when the boys watch them back they won't be proud of them. We're talking about 16, 17-year-old kids and you could end someone's career with a challenge like that.
"Pedro tells me he's okay but then he always tells me that as he's so desperate to play. We will assess him on Thursday and decide whether he can play any part this weekend."
