Ryan Gravenberch was the latest Liverpool player to complain about a fitness issue after being forced off for the Netherlands on Sunday night.
The international break was supposed to offer some respite for Arne Slot. The reigning Premier League champions limped into the club hiatus on the back of three straight defeats across all competitions, the team’s worst form in more than two years.
Gravenberch has been arguably Liverpool’s best performer despite an unconvincing start to their title defence, staking a strong claim to be the most impressive midfielder across the entire Premier League.
The towering Dutchman transferred that form on to the international stage last week, winning a penalty which his clubmate Cody Gakpo converted in a 4–0 thrashing of Malta before again starting against Finland on Sunday night. However, Gravenberch was forced off at halftime after suffering some muscular discomfort.
“Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems,” Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman revealed postgame. “Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that.”
Gravenberch provided a more upbeat diagnosis. “It was partly fitness related,” he noted. “The season is long, so it was a precaution. I’m feeling good and I have the coach’s confidence.”
Liverpool will need Gravenberch back and at his best as they try to address their worrisome form this Sunday with a Premier League derby against Manchester United. Unfortunately for Slot, his Dutch midfielder is hardly the only injury concern.
