Ryan Gravenberch withdraws from Dutch squad as Liverpool handed major injury scare - The Mirror

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has played in all 29 of Liverpool's Premier League games this season, but he could be a doubt for the Merseyside derby after leaving the Dutch camp

Ryan Gravenberch has been withdrawn from the Netherlands camp to hand compatriot Arne Slot another headache ahead of Liverpool's Premier League title run in.

The midfielder, 22, picked up a knock in the Reds' Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United at Wembley on Sunday, and although he joined up with the Dutch squad for the forthcoming two-legged Nations League quarter-final against Spain, it has now been agreed that he will be allowed to return to Liverpool for further assessment on the issue.

The Dutch national team said in a statement on Wednesday night: "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."

Gravenberch has enjoyed a fine season for Liverpool at the heart of Slot's midfield, and has played 41 matches in all competitions, including starting all 29 Premier League games.

After signing in 2023, Gravenberch spent his first campaign at Liverpool on the fringes of the side under Jurgen Klopp, but Slot converted the former Ajax and Bayern Munich midfielder into a No.6 in order to plug a hole in his side.

Gravenberch's displays at the heart of midfield have been one of the key reasons behind Liverpool opening up a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with nine matches to play, although the rigours of the campaign had appeared to be catching up with him in recent weeks.

He played the full 120 minutes in the Champions League last-16 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, before being withdrawn after 74 minutes of the Wembley defeat to Newcastle.

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup, Liverpool don't return to action until a Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield on April 2, with Slot sure to be desperate to have Gravenberch fit and available in order to keep up his 100 per cent appearance record in the league this season.

If he can't play, then Slot could turn to Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo at the heart of his midfield, while Curtis Jones, who is currently on England duty, could also play in a deeper role.

Alexis Mac Allister is also able to play deeper in midfield and did so regularly under Klopp, but Slot has been reluctant to use him there.

The Reds will still be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton for the Everton clash, but Harvey Elliott has allayed injury fears by linking up with the England under-21s.

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