This is how long Ryan Gravenberch will be out after the injury

Liverpool’s frustrating defeat to Manchester United at Anfield didn’t just sting because of the scoreline—it also came with a fresh injury setback. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch twisted his ankle midway through the second half and was forced off for Curtis Jones, leaving manager Arne Slot with another headache in an already testing period.

The Dutch boss confirmed after the match that Gravenberch will undergo further assessment in the coming days to determine the full extent of the injury. Slot expressed his concern over the “tight schedule,” noting that the Reds are now facing the harsh reality of three matches in seven days, a situation that could stretch the squad’s depth to its limits.

Liverpool’s injury list is beginning to pile up. Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a hamstring problem and is still not in full training. That means Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue to deputize between the posts for now. Meanwhile, Wataru Endo missed the clash against United due to a minor muscle issue, and youngster Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from his ACL surgery, making him a long-term absentee.

The timing of Gravenberch’s setback could hardly be worse. Liverpool entered the international break on a worrying run of three consecutive defeats, and hopes of a rebound were dashed as Manchester United handed them their first home league loss of the season. Despite dominating possession and creating clear-cut chances, the Reds failed to make their superiority count—a theme that has become all too familiar lately.

Slot’s tactical adjustments after Gravenberch’s exit were evident. He called on Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones to assume greater responsibility in midfield, urging them to push forward with more aggression and intensity. Yet, without Gravenberch’s composure and physical presence, Liverpool’s midfield lacked the balance needed to control the game in the closing stages.

Now, attention quickly shifts to Europe. Liverpool are scheduled to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, October 22, before a tricky Premier League trip to Brentford at the weekend. Gravenberch’s participation in the Frankfurt clash remains uncertain. Medical staff have labeled him “touch-and-go,” meaning a late fitness test will likely decide his availability.

If the midfielder fails to recover in time, Arne Slot will need to shuffle his pack once again. Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister are the most likely candidates to step in, offering the manager different tactical options. Jones’ energy and box-to-box movement could be vital, while Mac Allister’s control and passing range provide stability in possession.

For Slot, the challenge is to find the right balance in midfield without compromising the team’s attacking edge. Liverpool’s recent struggles have highlighted how reliant they’ve become on rhythm and fluidity, two qualities that Gravenberch naturally brings. His ability to transition play quickly and maintain tempo has made him a crucial component in Slot’s evolving system.

Supporters will be hoping that the injury isn’t severe, as Gravenberch has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers this season. After initially struggling for minutes under Jürgen Klopp, he has flourished under Slot’s more possession-based approach, showing flashes of the creative and athletic midfielder many expected when he joined from Bayern Munich.

As fans anxiously await an official update, Slot will be focused on keeping morale high and momentum steady. The coming week could prove decisive—not just for Liverpool’s confidence—but also for how quickly they can recover from a bruising defeat and rediscover their early-season form.

With tough fixtures ahead and a squad stretched thin, Liverpool must rally behind their manager and adapt quickly. For Gravenberch, the hope remains that this setback is only temporary, allowing him to return soon and help reignite Liverpool’s push across all competitions