Liverpool are currently having to weather a bit of an injury crisis.
It really will be interesting to see who lines up for tonight’s game with Luton Town. As things stand, the Reds look like being without at least nine first-team players.
Jurgen Klopp has already hinted that he may be forced to turn to some of Liverpool’s academy stars. Talented though they are, that will be a slight worry for supporters.
One player who now looks virtually guaranteed to start at Anfield tonight though is midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. In light of injury to Curtis Jones in particular, the 21-year-old has told liverpoolfc.com that he’s ‘looking forward’ to taking on a more central role.
“I’m feeling good,” says Gravenberch. “If I am honest, I’m really looking forward to the game on Wednesday, especially after the game on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to it. You see it now, unfortunately Curtis is now injured and hopefully he will be back as soon as possible. But now, for me, I have the chance again to show myself and to show my qualities.
“If I’m honest, as a player I prefer to play games than training! So, I’m very happy that we have every three or four days a game. Of course it’s hard but I think as a player you prefer to play games so it’s better.”
Gravenberch set for starting role
It has been a disappointing time for Gravenberch of late. More often than not the Dutchman has been out of the team. When he’s been in it, Gravenberch has been poor.
Having been previously really pushing for a starting spot in this Liverpool XI, his downturn in form meant that it was Jones’ place to lose.
But with the Scouser now injured for what looks like it could be a reasonable amount of time, Gravenberch’s chance has come again.
This time, he really has to take it. Saturday was a good start to that. The former Ajax youngster was much improved against Brentford.
That was a small reminder of just how good Gravenberch can be when he’s on form. Hailed as being ‘better than Jude Bellingham’ in the past, he has a bit of everything.
With responsibility now falling on his young shoulders, it’s time for Ryan to step up to the plate.
Had the Carabao Cup final come around last week or the week before, it’s safe to say that Gravenberch wouldn’t have been starting. But now, that has flipped. Unless he gets injured himself between now and Sunday, he’ll be in the XI at Wembley.
There is pressure that comes with that, which the Netherlands international must live up to. More than anything though, it’s a chance for Gravenberch to re-announce himself as a big part of this Liverpool team.
Thankfully, it sounds like the No.38 is up for the fight. Let’s see what you can really do, Ryan!
