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Arne Slot will be without key player for Liverpool's opening game as he serves suspension

Arne Slot and Liverpool will be without a key midfield cog, Ryan Gravenberch, for the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign after he picked up a costly final-day red card against Crystal Palace

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Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool looks dejected after the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch will miss the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season through suspension

(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool will be without enforcer Ryan Gravenberch for the start of the new Premier League season. The Dutch international was sent off in the final match of this campaign against Crystal Palace.

Arne Slot's title-winners now know the route they must navigate to retain their crown, with the 2025/26 Premier League fixture list having been released.

The Reds' season begins at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, and while a swift and decisive start is desired, Slot will have to do without one of his key midfield assets. Gravenberch was a revelation this season, starting almost every league game under Slot and thriving in a defensive midfield role.

However, he was shown a red card in Liverpool's final league match of last season, a 1-1 draw with Palace, which means he will be suspended for the first match of the new season.

Ismaila Sarr gave Palace an early lead when the FA Cup winners visited Anfield in May, scoring after just nine minutes. This lead held until the second half.

Gravenberch was booked after 61 minutes for diving in the Palace penalty area, and just seven minutes later, he was put in a spot of bother after a sky-high clearance came his way on the back of a free-kick.

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The Dutch midfielder's touch was lax, and allowed Palace's Daichi Kamada to steal in before being brought down, with Gravenberch the last man. Referee Darren England wasted no time in showing the 23-year-old a straight red.

Reds fans still had a moment of delight when Mohamed Salah netted a late equaliser at the 84th minute on an otherwise celebratory day, but the shadow of Gravenberch's impending suspension looms as next season draws nearer.

Referee Darren England gives a red card to Liverpool's Dutch midfielder #38 Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch was shown a straight red in May(Image: Getty Images)

It has been confirmed by the club that the suspension will carry over to the start of the new season. Considering the nature of his dismissal wasn't for violent conduct, it is anticipated that Gravenberch will only miss a single game due to his ban.

Gravenberch remains eligible to play in the eagerly awaited Community Shield clash against Palace on August 9, offering him a chance to continue his excellent development.

Under the guidance of Slot, who has stepped into Jurgen Klopp's shoes on Merseyside with aplomb, Gravenberch has seen his fortunes change, moving from sparse appearances to becoming pivotal in a deeper No. 6 position.

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"During a phone call in the first conversation I had with Arne, he said to me: 'I see you as a No. 8 but I want to try you as a No. 6,'" Gravenberch divulged to The Athletic. "I played there against Manchester United in pre-season and after that game, he just put me there. I was like: 'OK, let's do it.'

"From that moment, I only played as a No. 6. I didn't play a lot in that position before but this season, that position has made me who I am now. I am not naturally a defensive midfielder. I also like to drive forward with the ball.

"It's been good so far. This is the first season that we did a good job together as a midfield. To arrive there is easier than to stay there. Hopefully, we can win more trophies together."

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