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Topics: Arne Slot, Football, Liverpool, Premier League, Ryan Gravenberch, Netherlands
Marcus Chan
Topics: Arne Slot, Football, Liverpool, Premier League, Ryan Gravenberch, Netherlands
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been dealt a huge blow after one of his players was forced to return to Merseyside due to injury.
This week, several Liverpool stars are away on international duty with the Nations League and World Cup qualifiers taking centre stage.
The Reds have 20 players away with their national teams, and Slot will be hoping that none of his regulars will get injured before a vital run-in for the Premier League title.
However, Liverpool have now been hit with a major blow after Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was forced to return to the club due to injury.
A statement read: "Ryan Gravenberch has left the Oranje's training camp this evening. The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain."
Liverpool said on their official website: "Ryan Gravenberch has departed the Netherlands camp and will not be involved in their fixtures this week
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"The Dutch announced on Wednesday evening that Gravenberch has now withdrawn from duty due to a fitness issue. The 22-year-old will be assessed upon his return to Merseyside, with the Reds back in action when they host Everton in the Premier League on April 2."
Gravenberch has been an integral part of Slot's plans this season, making 41 appearances across all competitions and providing two assists.
Liverpool are currently 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with just nine matches left to play.
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Although the Reds are in pole position to seal a 20th league title, fans will be worried about the team's form after a damaging week.
Liverpool were beaten by Paris Saint Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League before producing a dismal display at Wembley to lose the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United.
Speaking about his side's recent disappointments, Reds boss Slot said: "Probably if you can beat us in that style of play you are probably the best in Europe at the moment. They still have to show if they still can do this in the upcoming two or three months. But I want to make clear one more time that the week started off really well by us beating Southampton.
"That’s why we extended our lead to 12 points [in the Premier League] with nine games to go. You know if you go far in tournaments that the opposition you face gets stronger and stronger. Even Liverpool can lose football games, that’s what can happen."