Ryan Gravenberch subbed at half-time as Liverpool await fitness update

Ryan Gravenberch came off at half-time as the Netherlands thrashed Finland including goals from Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, with Liverpool awaiting a fitness update.

Gravenberch was one of three Liverpool players to start back-to-back World Cup qualifiers for the Netherlands this break, with Van Dijk and Gakpo also retained.

But the midfielder only lasted 45 minutes of his country’s 4-0 victory before being replaced by Man City‘s Tijjani Reijnders.

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS after the game, manager Ronald Koeman revealed Gravenberch’s withdrawal came due to a minor hamstring issue.

“Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems. Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that,” Koeman explained, per Voetbal Zone.

Gravenberch himself told VoetbalPrimeur: “It had a bit to do with fitness. The season is long, so it was a precaution.”

Liverpool need Gravenberch fit

Liverpool will hope that cautious approach is a positive ahead of their clash with Man United on Sunday, with Wataru Endo already a doubt having missed Japan duty with a hamstring complaint.

Arne Slot is also without Alisson, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns, while Ibrahima Konate returned early from France as he nurses a quad injury.

Gravenberch’s early exit came in a comprehensive win for the Netherlands, with Van Dijk heading in to make it 2-0 and Gakpo rounding off the scoring with a powerful strike in the second half.

Jeremie Frimpong dropped to the bench after starting on the right wing in Thursday’s 4-0 victory away to Malta and went unused on Sunday night.

The Netherlands are currently top of their World Cup qualifying group but are not yet guaranteed a place at next summer’s tournament.

Koeman’s side will need to wait until next month to clinch top spot in Group G, with a decisive clash with second-placed Poland to come on November 14.

Gakpo’s effort against Finland made it three goals and an assist in two games for the October break and Slot will hope to welcome him back to Anfield in confident form.

There have been concerns over the winger’s performances of late, with his close-range finish in the 2-1 loss at Chelsea last time out his first goal involvement in eight games.