Liverpool veteran misses Tuesday’s training session, but Arne Slot handed double fitness boost elsewhere
The Liverpool squad trained at the AXA Training Centre today ahead of their flight to Germany for tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Both sides have picked up a win and a loss in their opening two games of the league phase. Frankfurt have lost three of their last five matches, scoring 12 times but conceding 18, which makes Liverpool’s 17 goals conceded in 12 games across all competitions look slightly less alarming—though Jamie Carragher’s concerns about their defensive record remain justified.
Mixed news from Liverpool’s latest training session
Liverpool had both positives and negatives to take from today’s session in Kirkby before their trip to Deutsche Bank Park.
According to Theo Squires of the Liverpool Echo, Ryan Gravenberch was absent from open training after twisting his ankle in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United. An independent injury analyst has suggested the midfielder could face six or more weeks out, depending on how serious the injury is.
On a brighter note, Arne Slot will have been pleased to see Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo involved. Mac Allister looks to have fully recovered from the head injury sustained at Anfield, while Endo is nearing full fitness following a recent hamstring issue.
Possible replacements for Gravenberch
If Gravenberch doesn’t make the trip to Frankfurt, it will create a vacancy in midfield. Mac Allister is expected to start if passed fit, while Endo could also slot in as the defensive anchor. Another possibility is Dominik Szoboszlai moving into a deeper role, allowing Florian Wirtz to return in the attacking midfield position.
Curtis Jones is another contender, having impressed off the bench against Manchester United—a timely reminder of his quality given Gravenberch’s likely absence.
Liverpool’s head coach is set to provide a more detailed injury update during his press conference this evening (scheduled for 6:30pm UK time), though the travelling squad will be confirmed beforehand.
If the 23-year-old Dutchman doesn’t travel, it would certainly be a blow—but thankfully, Slot still has several dependable midfield options ready to step up.
