Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a heel issue that ruled him out of contention against Fenerbahce in the Champions League
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea
Ryan Gravenberch is unavailable for Liverpool through a heel injury(Image: (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has given an update on the condition of Ryan Gravenberch, after the midfielder was ruled out of the Champions League clash with Fenerbahce due to injury.
The Dutch international was revealed as an absence for the clash in Turkiye on Wednesday by the club in a statement before the team travelled, with the explanation being a slight heel problem.
A statement from Liverpool read: "Ryan Gravenberch has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League fixture at Fenerbahce. A heel injury means the midfielder will not be part of the Reds’ travelling squad for Wednesday’s meeting with the Turkish side in Istanbul. He will instead remain at the AXA Training Centre to undergo treatment with the club’s medical team."
The extent of the injury was unknown as a result, but Iraola was questioned further about Gravenberch's problems, with the November international break now in view.
Speaking to the press ahead of the match with Fenerbahce, the Liverpool boss said: "I don't know, it's a day-to-day thing because it's the heel, it's about the heel.
"I think he's been in some discomfort, the other day against Arsenal he was warming up and he was not fully confident. He hasn't improved since then and every day we have to ask him and every day we see how he is, if he can be available for the weekend [against Crystal Palace], lovely, he will be a very good help for us. But I cannot tell you right now."
It means that the Reds will have to find an alternative for at least the Champions League tie, if not beyond that, with a clear need to pick up some more victories in all competitions.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool
Ryan Gravenberch was left out of Liverpool's starting XI against Arsenal(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
In terms of midfield alternatives, Iraola has largely chosen Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai when available, with the latter recently returning from injury, which could see him feature in the team once again.
There may be a place for Trey Nyoni to feature too, after an impressive full Premier League debut against Arsenal at the weekend, on top of some already promising displays in the Champions League and Carabao Cup so far this season.
The Liverpool boss was asked about the prospect of the academy graduate featuring again, and he added: "I think he has to continue in the same place he has been since the beginning of the pre-season. Being ready for every game, I think he is playing most of the games or even all the games lately.
"So we trust him, he is doing very well, and we have to encourage him to continue. Continue improving, continue learning, continue adding experience, but he is in a very good place."
It remains to be seen which choice the manager will make in what could be an intense and hostile environment for Nyoni to feature in, but it could be the type of experience that he needs to continue progressing as the head coach wants.
For Gravenberch, there will seemingly be a race against time for him to feature again at the weekend, while the international break could offer some much-needed respite for the midfield star.