Andoni Iraola offered an injury update on Ryan Gravenberch ahead of Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace
Istanbul, Türkiye - November 4: head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/2027 match between Fenerbahçe and Liverpool at Fenerbahçe Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on November 4, 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is sweating on the fitness of Ryan Gravenberch before Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace(Image: Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch remains a doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The midfielder was left an unused substitute in last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal before being left out of the travelling squad altogether for the midweek Champions League match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Gravenberch has since been left out of the Netherlands squad for the November international break, casting further doubt over his availability for the Reds this weekend.
But Iraola refused to rule the Dutchman out of the clash with the Eagles, though conceded Liverpool will have to make a late decision on his fitness and whether he can play through the pain.
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“No, the only doubt we'll have is Ryan," said the Reds head coach, who will certainly be without Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike. “The other things will be the same as we've been.
“The Ryan Gravenberch thing is a day-to-day thing. It's a matter of pain. Let's see if he can deal with the pain and if he can help us, yes."
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Meanwhile, Iraola revealed that he intends to play Bradley Barcola predominantly as a winger despite trialling the £123m summer signing at centre-forward against Fenerbahce.
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“No, Bradley's a winger,” he said. “He has played as a left winger, sometimes a right winger, but also has played in PSG as a striker, no?
“And it's something that I wanted to try. I thought against their centre-backs, he could be a threat - especially in behind.
“But he's a winger and he will be mostly, 90% of the times, used as a winger. But I think it’s alternatives that I sometimes want to try, no?
“I tried with Cody (Gakpo) against Chelsea, I think in the Carabao Cup and and not maybe from the beginning, but it's true that during the games, I think it's options that we can use, no?
“When Alex is tired and we need another type of striker, we can use other strikers that we have, but also wingers that can do a job there.”