Liverpool players were involved in an important evening for their respective international teams
Ryan Gravenberch of the Netherlands during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Finland at Johan Cruijff Arena on October 12 2025 in Amsterdam
Ryan Gravenberch of the Netherlands during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Finland at Johan Cruijff Arena on October 12 2025 in Amsterdam
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Ryan Gravenberch has handed Liverpool a fresh injury concern ahead of their clash with Manchester United after helping edge Holland nearer the World Cup. Gravenberch was replaced at half-time as the Dutch romped to a 4-0 win over Finland on Sunday night to remain top of their qualifying group.
And Holland boss Ronald Koeman later revealed the Reds midfielder had been substituted for Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders due to a muscle issue, and said: "Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems. Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that."
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 return to the AXA Training Centre to have any problem assessed, with Liverpool next in action on Sunday with the Premier League visit of bitter North West rivals United.
The Reds are already without the hamstrung Alisson Becker for the clash while Ibrahima Konate was released early from the France squad due to a thigh problem and Wataru Endo missed Japan's friendlies with a hamstring issue.
Cody Gakpo scored his third goal of the international break and Virgil van Dijk also netted as Holland remained three points clear of Poland with two games remaining. Jeremie Frimpong was an unused substitute.
Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Andy Robertson skippered Scotland to a nervy 2-1 win at home to rock-bottom Belarus to ensure at least a play-off berth.
Robertson assisted the second goal for Scott McTominay as Steve Clarke's side remain separated from group leaders Denmark on goal difference.
But the Liverpool defender admitted: "It doesn't feel good. We can be honest with that.
"It doesn't feel like a win at the minute and I think you can see that by our reaction at the end which is hugely frustrating. The performance is nowhere near where we need it to be.
"We gave them far too many chances. I don't know if we were tired from Thursday night (when Scotland beat Greece 3-1), we put a lot into that one, but that's no excuse."
Meanwhile, with Egypt having already qualified for the World Cup, Mohamed Salah was rested by the Pharaohs for their 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau but remained with the squad and took part in their celebrations in Cairo on reaching next summer's finals.