Slot faces major headache as confirmed news emerges ahead of Liverpool v Everton
Liverpool went from being treble contenders to being able to win just one trophy in the space of a week, but the bad news has not stopped there for Arne Slot.
Liverpool suffered a devastating penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the Champions League last 16, and had hoped to put those woes to bed by emerging victorious in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
But Newcastle had other ideas at Wembley, and secured the trophy with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from both Dan Burn and Alexander Isak.
It meant the Reds went into the international break licking their wounds.
Ryan Gravenberch could be set to miss Everton test
The Reds’ next opportunity to get themselves back on track will arrive on Wednesday, 2 April, when they host Merseyside neighbours Everton.
But, only days into the break, midfield star Ryan Gravenberch has left the Netherlands camp courtesy of an injury he sustained against Newcastle.
| Ryan Gravenberch stats | 2024/25 Premier League season |
| Appearances | 29 |
| Starts | 29 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass accuracy % | 89.3 |
| Duels won | 137 |
Such a setback could mean that the ever-reliable 22-year-old may not be available for selection when Liverpool clash with Everton in their next Premier League fixture.
Major blow for Slot and Liverpool
If Gravenberch’s injury proves to be a lengthy one, then Liverpool will be even more grateful for the fact that they currently hold a 12-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Slot had a potentially daunting task at the start of the campaign in taking the managerial reins from his legendary predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
However, under Slot’s largely remarkable stewardship, the Reds have raced away in the Premier League title race and look set to be crowned champions of England for the first time in five years.
Gravenberch’s unrelenting brilliance in midfield has been a major contributing factor to why Slot has been so successful at Anfield so far.
Therefore, having to go without the key man in his engine room for a crunch clash with local rivals Everton next month would be one of the toughest challenges the Liverpool boss has had to navigate since joining the club.