Liverpool have been hit by a fresh injury blow on the eve of their Champions League trip to Istanbul, with Ryan Gravenberch ruled out of the clash with Fenerbahce through a heel injury.
The club confirmed the news on Tuesday morning. The midfielder will not be part of the travelling squad for Wednesday’s game and will instead stay at the AXA Training Centre to receive treatment from the medical team.
Warning signs after the Arsenal defeat
There were hints that something was not right on Sunday. Gravenberch was an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, with Trey Nyoni preferred in midfield.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Andoni Iraola revealed that Gravenberch had been dealing with some problems in his heel, and that the club “didn’t want also to risk” him. The manager said at the time that Liverpool would wait and see whether he could be available for the next game. That hope has now gone.
The fact he was named among the substitutes suggests this is not a major problem, but the club have clearly decided not to take any chances.
How long will he be out?
Liverpool have not said how serious the injury is or how long Gravenberch is likely to be sidelined, so it is not yet clear whether he will be fit for the visit of Crystal Palace at the weekend. Iraola is expected to be asked for an update at his pre-match press conference.
Midfield options in Istanbul
Gravenberch joins Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong on the absentee list, meaning Liverpool will be without five players in Turkey. Frimpong’s thigh injury will keep him out until after the international break.
There is some good news in midfield, though. Dominik Szoboszlai came off the bench against Arsenal and is fit again, so he is expected to start. Alexis Mac Allister and Nyoni are also in the squad and will have key roles to play.
A testing few weeks for Gravenberch
It has been a bumpy spell for the Dutchman. He was sent off for a second yellow card against Manchester City and missed the win over Brentford through suspension. Last week he gave away a penalty in the shootout win over Chelsea and then missed from the spot himself.
He has made four Premier League starts this season, and Liverpool will be hoping this latest setback turns out to be a short one.
We will bring you more on Gravenberch’s injury as soon as we have it.
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