Liverpool Defender's Loan Spell Cut Short by Surgery
Liverpool's young defender, Owen Beck, has undergone surgery on a serious hamstring injury, abruptly ending his season-long loan at Derby County. The 23-year-old left-back sustained the significant setback during a comeback appearance for Derby's youth team, forcing him off the pitch after just 40 minutes.
Derby County manager John Eustace confirmed the news, delivering a blow to the Championship side's plans. "Unfortunately, Owen has had to have surgery on his hamstring, so he's going to be out for the next three or four months," Eustace stated ahead of the weekend's fixtures.
A Promising Move Derailed by Injury
Beck's move to Derby last summer was seen as a strategic step in his development, reuniting him with manager John Eustace, who he previously played under at Blackburn Rovers. The loan deal was intended to provide the defender with regular first-team football in the competitive Championship.
However, his time at Pride Park was plagued by fitness issues from the start. An initial injury had already sidelined him, and the recent hamstring problem during his long-awaited return has proven far more severe than first assessments indicated.
Eustace expressed his sympathy for the player, highlighting the disappointment for all involved. "I feel really sorry for Becky... Bringing him to the football club was a real success from the recruitment side... but unfortunately, he's had a really difficult time," the manager added.
Broader Context: Liverpool's Injury Concerns
This development adds to a growing list of injury concerns for Beck's parent club, Liverpool. The Reds' squad has been stretched thin this season, with key players like Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni also currently sidelined.
This spate of injuries has coincided with a challenging period for the Anfield club, which will be hoping for a boost from returning players after the international break.
For Owen Beck, his immediate future is clear. His loan spell at Derby is now expected to be formally terminated in January, with the defender returning to Liverpool to begin his rehabilitation. He failed to make a single first-team appearance for Derby during his truncated stay, a stark contrast to the ambitions he voiced upon his arrival.
Earlier in the season, Beck told RamsTV that his primary goals were to "play games" and stay "injury-free." Sadly, those objectives remain unfulfilled. His focus now shifts entirely to recovery, with the aim of regaining full fitness in time for the next campaign. The defender's long-term prospects at Anfield were secured in July 2025 when he signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.
