Andoni Iraola gave an update on the situation surrounding Ryan Gravenberch, with the Liverpool boss appearing frustrated with another injury concern
Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool during the training session/press conference on day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 at Fenerbahce
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media ahead of Liverpool's clash with Fenerbahce(Image: (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola cut a frustrated figure in his pre-match press conference when discussing an injury to Ryan Gravenberch, as the Reds star will miss out on the clash with Fenerbahce due to a slight concern.
The head coach has been dealing with injury issues through the early months of the season so far, with some problems from the previous campaign spilling into the current one, while fresh issues have only compounded the worries about squad depth.
So far, the manager has dealt with those concerns well, picking his moments to rotate the team while picking up some positive results along the way.
However, barely a week goes by without another injury scare or absence, and Gravenberch is simply the latest of a string of issues that Iraola is having to manage at Liverpool.
The Netherlands international was unable to start against Arsenal at the weekend, and even though Dominik Szoboszlai made his return to the squad, it was Trey Nyoni who was given the go-ahead from Iraola to start in an impressive showing for an hour.
Gravenberch was then unable to come on during the match, with a statement from Liverpool later confirming that a heel injury would rule him out of contention for the midweek Champions League tie with Fenerbahce.
When asked about the problem, Iraola let out a big sigh, appearing exasperated with the situation, as he responded: "It's a day-to-day thing; it's a heel injury; it's about the pain.
"He's had some discomfort; he was warming up against Arsenal and was not 100 per cent. Hopefully he can be available for the weekend, lovely, but we cannot say no."
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))
Iraola has had to switch his team around at the right moments, with the intensity of his style relying on players who are fit and available to give their all throughout. With Gravenberch set to miss out, the manager could turn to Nyoni again, with the youngster given an opportunity to shine.
"I think he has to continue in that same place he's been since the start of pre-season," he said on the chances for the midfielder to impress. "We trust him, he's doing very well, he needs to continue, we have to encourage him to continue - to continue improving, continue learning, continue adding experience. He is in a very good place."
The lack of a return date for Gravenberch could prove to be frustrating in planning for the games ahead, but fortunately for Liverpool, there is an upcoming international break that could bring two weeks of respite to the team.
So far, Iraola has handled the issues well, but it would be fair to see some of that wearing him down. The midfield ranks have hardly had everyone available at any one given time, though so too has the defense and the forward line, especially with long-term injuries.
It remains to be seen how the Reds can deal with those issues when the fixture schedule ramps up again over the festive period, with the squad set to be tested to its limits.