In a surprising twist, Ryan Gravenberch found himself on the bench against Burnley, but it turns out he wasn’t in peak condition, revealing a fitness issue during Liverpool’s warm-up.
Klopp, addressing the media post-match, hinted at the concern without specifying the problem.
However, in an NBC Sports interview, Klopp disclosed that Gravenberch felt discomfort in the groin, rendering him unavailable for the game.
The Reds faced a daunting challenge with 10 senior players missing against Burnley due to a mix of illness, injury, suspension, and bereavement.
To compound matters, Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted at halftime as a precaution, further limiting Klopp’s options.
Reflecting on the squad’s recent rollercoaster, Klopp expressed his amazement, emphasizing how just two weeks ago, they had a perfect squad situation, but now they find themselves short in every area.
Gravenberch Still Uncertain
Fortunately, Liverpool have a week between games, providing a glimmer of hope for the return of several players ahead of the Brentford fixture.
However, Gravenberch’s status remains uncertain, raising concerns about potential midfield shortages.
Amidst the setbacks, Klopp remains optimistic about the possible returns of Joe Gomez and Alisson, both recovering from illness. Alexander-Arnold’s knee discomfort requires assessment, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Klopp hinted at the possibility of some players making a comeback against Brentford, including Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah.
Updates on Dominik Szoboszlai [hamstring] and Conor Bradley [bereavement] are expected later in the week. Liverpool, however, are cautious about rushing their return.
Despite the growing list of injuries, Liverpool managed to secure a 3-1 victory against Burnley, showcasing resilience.
Alexander-Arnold’s forced exit due to a knee injury added to the challenges, while a flu outbreak kept stars like Alisson Becker sidelined.
While positive news surrounds Mohamed Salah’s potential return, questions linger over Szoboszlai and Thiago Alcantara.
With Gravenberch sitting out due to illness, eyes are on the potential return date against Brentford on Saturday, February 17.