Arne Slot said the midfielder will be assessed, stressing the squeeze of “three games in seven days” and the need to lean on Liverpool’s depth if required.
The goalkeeper picture is unchanged. Alisson Becker is still out with a hamstring problem and not in full training, so Giorgi Mamardashvili keeps the gloves. Wataru Endo also missed the United game with a minor issue, while teenager Giovanni Leoni remains a long-term absentee after ACL surgery.
Form-wise, the timing is awkward. Liverpool went into the international break on three straight defeats and then suffered their first home league loss of the season to United—despite creating enough chances to take something from Anfield.
Slot adjusted after Gravenberch’s exit, asking Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones to shoulder more central responsibility in a more aggressive setup.
There is a quick chance to reset. Liverpool travel to Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday (October 22) before visiting Brentford at the weekend. Gravenberch is touch-and-go for the midweek trip; if he sits out, Slot can turn to Jones, Szoboszlai or Mac Allister to rebalance midfield and steady the rhythm.
The injury to Ryan Gravenberch could hardly have come at a worse time for Liverpool, as the club already faces a mounting list of absentees and a congested fixture schedule that’s testing both their fitness and mental resilience. The Dutch midfielder’s ankle twist adds another layer of concern for manager Arne Slot, who is under growing pressure to halt the Reds’ alarming run of form.
Sources within the club suggest that initial assessments of Gravenberch’s condition are “cautiously optimistic,” though medical staff will wait for swelling to subside before confirming whether he can travel with the squad to Germany. Slot reportedly wants to avoid rushing any key players back too soon, particularly given the heavy schedule that continues through November.
The loss of Gravenberch — who has been one of Liverpool’s few consistent performers in recent weeks — leaves a tactical void in midfield. His dynamism, ability to transition play, and ball-carrying under pressure have been crucial, especially with Wataru Endo unavailable. Slot’s options now include turning to Dominik Szoboszlai for creativity, Alexis Mac Allister for control, or Curtis Jones for energy and pressing. The coach has emphasized that squad depth will determine how Liverpool navigates this difficult period.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s medical team continues to monitor Alisson Becker’s recovery closely. The Brazilian goalkeeper remains a major miss, with his leadership and reliability key to Liverpool’s defensive structure. Giorgi Mamardashvili, though performing admirably, still lacks the chemistry and composure Alisson brings to the backline.
With Eintracht Frankfurt and Brentford looming, Slot faces a defining week — not only for results but for morale. A strong performance in Europe could restore confidence, but another setback may deepen the uncertainty surrounding his tenure and Liverpool’s direction this season.
