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Why Ryan Gravenberch isn't playing for Liverpool vs Bournemouth

The latest Livepool news ahead of their Premier League opener against Bournemouth tonight

Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch will miss the clash with Bournemouth this evening

(Image: Getty Images)

Ryan Gravenberch will miss Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth this evening (8pm kick-off). The English top flight returns tonight, with Arne Slot's side in the spotlight.

Liverpool may be missing several key players for their opening fixture, but one certainty is the absence of Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder is serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the Reds' final game of last season against Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Gravenberch's ban means he misses the Premier League opener, but he will be eligible to return for Liverpool’s trip to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on August 25.

Addressing Gravenberch’s absence at a press conference on Thursday, Slot said: "I think last Sunday, the chances we conceded was that we lost the ball easily in midfield and we could be counter-attacked.

"Ryan always takes care of the ball but everyone can lose it, so I am not sure how much we missed him last week.

"But it is clear Ryan has had a big impact last year. People probably forgot how he got suspended, one was for a dive! One team is too honest in this league - Cody [Gakpo] got a push in his back v Palace! - we are very clean, never dive and we have a suspension now for a player diving for a first yellow card last year.

"[Alexis Mac-Allister] Macca had a bit of a different pre-season than we would like but he is back fit now so I still have a choice to make."

Elsewhere, Liverpool are dealing with injuries and could be without Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for the game.

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