Liverpool youngster’s strange absence continues as midfielder earns award
Source: Thisisanfield

Liverpool youngster James Balagizi has been involved in just three of a possible 11 league games on loan at Wigan, as his absence continues.

While Balagizi was among the most talented young players to depart Liverpool on loan in the summer, he has been unable to translate that into game time.

Joining Wigan on a season-long deal, the 20-year-old followed up a promising spell at Crawley last time out that was cruelly cut short by injury.

But joining a Latics side floundering at the bottom of League One, Balagizi has been unable to pick up the minutes he requires, left out of the matchday squad for the fifth time in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Stevenage.

Balagizi had played 45 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion four days previous, but that was only his fourth outing against senior opposition this season.

In total, the versatile midfielder has played just 86 minutes over three appearances in League One, with a return to Liverpool likely in January.