Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman says Ryan Gravenberch has suffered a ‘minor hamstring issue’ ahead of Liverpool vs Manchester United.
Following the international break, the Premier League returns this weekend with one among the largest games of the season as United travel to Anfield.
It’s a hugely vital game for Liverpool – and never only for the bragging rights – after losing their last three games and slipping behind Arsenal within the title race.
However the international break has not been kind to Arne Slot, with each Ibrahima Konate and Wataru Endo picking up injuries, joining Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni within the treatment room.
And ahead of Sunday’s huge clash, Gravenberch’s fitness is doubtful after being subbed off at half-time of the Netherlands’ 4-0 win over Finland in World Cup qualifying.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United daily
Get up to seek out news in your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Enroll to our newsletter after which select your team within the link so we are able to send you football news tailored to you.
The midfielder was replaced on the break by Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders, while club teammates Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo were on the scoresheet for Oranje.
Post-match, Gravenberch looked to play down any injury concerns, telling reporters: ‘It was partly fitness related. The season is long, so it was a precaution. I’m feeling good and I actually have the coach’s confidence.’
But Koeman has since revealed more details on the 23-year-old’s condition: ‘Ryan indicated he was experiencing some minor hamstring discomfort. We obviously didn’t take any risks with that.’
Gravenberch will now be assessed to find out the injury’s severity, with goalkeeper Alisson ruled out until the tip of the month with a hamstring problem.
Slot is ready to offer an update before the United match and shall be praying his fellow Dutchman is fit having been arguably one among Liverpool’s best players this season.
He has began all but one among the Reds’ Premier League games this capaign, only missing the opening night win over Bournemouth through injury, and has two goals and two assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes Slot must start Gravenberch against United, telling Wettbasis.com: ‘I’d go along with [Dominik] Szobozslai and Gravenberch in the center.
‘Two super athletic players who can cover plenty of ground. And I’d put [Florian] Wirtz ahead of them. That will be my midfield three in the mean time.
‘I’d let Wirtz play through it because I feel the magic will come. I’d have Szobozslai and Gravenberch behind him because they’re the 2 most athletic midfielders that we’ve got.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the most recent news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Rene Meulensteen ‘can’t consider’ Man Utd didn’t sign £40m star this summer
MORE: Marcus Rashford takes aim at Manchester United’s ‘inconsistent environment’
MORE: Thomas Tuchel accused of snubbing England star as a result of ‘personal’ issue