Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as a fresh injury worry for Liverpool ahead of their huge clash with Manchester United.
The midfielder was withdrawn at the interval as the Netherlands cruised to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Finland on Sunday evening, maintaining their position at the summit of their World Cup qualifying group. Holland manager Ronald Koeman subsequently disclosed that the Liverpool star had made way for Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders due to a muscle issue.
“Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems. Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that,” the Netherlands boss said.
Speaking after the game, Gravenberch said of his failure to appear in the second half: “It was partly fitness related. The season is long, so it was a precaution. I’m feeling good and I have the coach’s confidence.”
Gravenberch will now head back to the AXA Training Centre for medical assessment, with Liverpool’s next fixture being Sunday’s Premier League encounter with fierce rivals Manchester United, reports the Liverpool Echo. The Reds are already confirmed to be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is nursing a hamstring injury, whilst Ibrahima Konate departed the France camp prematurely owing to a thigh concern and Wataru Endo sat out Japan’s friendly matches with a hamstring setback.
Cody Gakpo registered his third strike of the international window and Virgil van Dijk also found the net as Holland preserved their three-point advantage over Poland with just two fixtures remaining. Gravenberch’s withdrawal will be a worry for Arne Slot as Liverpool look to return to winning ways after losing their past three games in all competitions.
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League with 16 points, although the Reds are just one point behind in second place. Tottenham and Bournemouth are third and fourth, respectively, while Manchester City are fifth on 13 points.
With Liverpool playing Man Utd on Sunday, Arsenal have the opportunity to go four points clear at the top due to the Gunners playing Fulham on Saturday evening at Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to pick up his sixth win of the season in the league against the west Londoners.
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
