Liverpool fans react to crushing Gravenberch announcement – ‘Tell me you’re joking?’
Ryan Gravenberch has been a key part of Arne Slot’s Liverpool side this season as the Reds push for the Premier League title.
The 22-year-old has made 29 league appearances, having started every one of the games he has played this term.
After a difficult week for Liverpool last week as they got knocked out of the Champions League and lost the Carabao Cup final, Slot will need his team to come back from international duty ready to go.
Liverpool have to pick back up
While Slot has adapted to life in Liverpool seamlessly, with his side sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, it has not all been smooth sailing of late.
Although they went to Anfield 1-0 up against PSG in the second leg of their Champions League tie, after going to extra time and penalties, the Reds were knocked out of the competition.
The hangover seemed to carry over into last Sunday’s (16 March) Carabao Cup final when Newcastle United outplayed Liverpool for the 90 minutes and were victorious with a 2-1 win.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| Liverpool | 66% | 7 | 2 |
| Newcastle United | 34% | 17 | 6 |
Therefore, while 12 points clear at the top of the table, Slot will be keen for his side to come back stronger after the international break to finish their season on a high.
However, the boss may have received a further dent to his side’s hope after what has happened away from Liverpool.
Gravenberch blow for Liverpool
Given Gravenberch’s impressive form this season, it’s no surprise that the defensive midfielder was called up to the Netherlands squad for the international break.
However, before a game has even been played, the Netherlands have announced via X (20 March) that Gravenberch has had to leave the training camp due to him sustaining an injury.
Liverpool supporters have been left gutted by the latest news and took to X to question the bad luck, exclaiming “please tell me you’re joking?”.
There is a chance that Slot has asked privately for the player to be let go from international duty given how much football he has played this season, in the hope of getting some recovery in.
Gravenberch has seldom had a rest throughout the campaign so far both domestically and in Europe and therefore, an international break after a tough week could be a big ask.
The midfielder picked up a knock against Newcastle that did not look anything serious, but this latest development suggests otherwise.