Ryan Gravenberch came off at half-time as the Netherlands defeated Finland, including goals from Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, as Liverpool waited for a fitness update.
Gravenberch was one of three Liverpool players to start back-to-back World Cup qualifiers for the Netherlands this break, with Van Dijk and Gakpo also retained.
But the midfielder lasted just 45 minutes of his country’s 4-0 win before being replaced by Man City’s Tijjani Reijnders.
Speaking to NOS after the match, manager Ronald Koeman revealed that Gravenberch’s withdrawal was the result of a minor fitness problem.
“We didn’t take any risks with that,” Koeman explains GOAL.
Liverpool need Gravenberch fit
Liverpool will hope this cautious approach will have a positive effect ahead of their clash with Man United on Sunday, with Wataru Endo already a doubt having missed duty in Japan due to a hamstring problem.
Arne Slot will also be without Alisson, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns, while Ibrahima Konate returned early from France due to a quad injury.
Gravenberch’s early departure resulted in a comprehensive win for the Netherlands, with Van Dijk heading the score at 2–0 and Gakpo rounding off the scoring with a powerful strike in the second half.
Jeremy Frimpong was dropped to the bench after starting on the right wing in Thursday’s 4-0 win against Malta and remained unused on Sunday evening.
The Netherlands are currently top of the World Cup qualifying group, but are not yet assured of a place at next summer’s tournament.
Koeman’s side will have to wait until next month to take top spot in Group G, with a decisive clash with second-placed Poland on November 14.
Gakpo’s effort against Finland netted three goals and an assist in two games before the October break and Slot will be hoping to welcome him back to Anfield in confident form.
There have been concerns about the winger’s performances recently, with him last scoring from close range in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea after scoring his first goal in eight games.
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