Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United came with another blow, as Ryan Gravenberch suffered an ankle twist and had to be replaced by Curtis Jones with about a third of the game remaining.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the midfielder will be assessed, noting the challenge of playing three matches in seven days and emphasizing the importance of squad rotation to keep players fresh.
In goal, the situation remains the same. Alisson Becker is still sidelined with a hamstring injury and hasn’t returned to full training, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue between the posts. Wataru Endo also missed the United clash due to a minor problem, while young defender Giovanni Leoni remains a long-term absentee following ACL surgery.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Liverpool, who entered the international break on a run of three straight defeats and then endured their first home league loss of the season to United — despite creating enough chances to earn a result.
After Gravenberch’s withdrawal, Slot tweaked his setup, instructing Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones to take on more central responsibilities in a more attacking shape.
There’s little time to dwell on the setback, with Liverpool traveling to Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday (October 22) before facing Brentford at the weekend. Gravenberch remains doubtful for the midweek fixture, and if ruled out, Slot is expected to rely on Jones, Szoboszlai, or Mac Allister to restore balance in midfield.
Slot on Gravenberch’s injury:
️ “Ryan is not available for the Frankfurt game, but hopefully he will be ready for the weekend.”