Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Ryan Gravenberch is racing against time to be fit for the Reds massive Premier League showdown against Arsenal at Anfield.
The Netherlands midfielder started the 0-0 draw against Manchester United last weekend but was substituted in the second half as he tweaked his hamstring after a darting run into the Red Devils’ penalty area.
Gravenberch was not part of the matchday squad for Liverpool’s 5-1 hammering of West Ham United in the Carabao Cup, as they cruised to victory thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and a brace from Curtis Jones.
Speaking after Liverpool booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition, Klopp indicated that Gravenberch is still working his way up to full fitness, casting doubts over his involvement against the league leaders.
He said (quotes via BBC 5 Live): “We feel good after that game of course but we know we are going to play probably the strongest team in the Premier League, Arsenal. They are really physically strong.”
“They didn’t get worse with Declan [Rice] in the team, let me say it like that! Really strong and it will be a difficult and different game and we have to make sure it is difficult for Arsenal as well.
“I am looking forward to it. Maybe Ryan [Gravenberch] will be back. Besides that, it is not a full squad that we have. But now going through these games, we are back on track.”
With Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic ruled out, Liverpool are already a bit short-staffed in the center of the park.
If Gravenberch misses out, Klopp could turn to Harvey Elliott or Jones to play alongside Wataru Endo and Szoboszlai in a midfield three, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to play as a No. 6 could also affect the German’s thinking ahead of the game.
