Liverpool set to face Frankfurt without their key player

Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United came with an added blow as Ryan Gravenberch twisted his ankle and had to be replaced by Curtis Jones with about 30 minutes remaining.

Arne Slot confirmed the midfielder will undergo assessment, noting the strain of playing “three games in seven days” and highlighting the need to rely on the squad’s depth if necessary.

In goal, nothing changes — Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full training, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili continues to deputize. Wataru Endo also missed the United clash due to a minor fitness issue, while young defender Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from ACL surgery.

The timing of the injury is far from ideal. Liverpool entered the international break on a run of three straight defeats and then suffered their first home league loss of the season to United, despite creating enough chances to get a result at Anfield.

Following Gravenberch’s withdrawal, Slot tweaked his setup, giving Florian Wirtz and Jones greater central responsibility in a more attack-minded formation.

Liverpool now have a swift opportunity to respond, with a Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday (October 22) before facing Brentford at the weekend. Gravenberch remains doubtful for the midweek tie, but if he doesn’t make it, Slot has options in Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, or Alexis Mac Allister to restore balance and control in midfield.