Ryan Gravenberch’s ligament injury isn’t as severe as initially feared, giving Jurgen Klopp some optimism as Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai edge closer to making their returns.
During Sunday’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea, Gravenberch had to be carried off on a stretcher following a reckless challenge from Moises Caicedo in the first half.
Despite the frightening nature of the injury, the Dutch midfielder was later spotted celebrating with his teammates, albeit on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
While Klopp anticipates Gravenberch missing upcoming fixtures against Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round and Nottingham Forest in the league, he emphasized that the ligament injury, though significant, could have been more severe.
“Ryan is unavailable,” Klopp stated in a press conference. “Although it’s a ligament injury, it could have been worse, but it’s serious enough for him to be sidelined for these upcoming matches. However, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Liverpool faced several absences in the recent final, including Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are still recovering from their injuries.
Salah and Nunez were also absent from the Wembley clash, alongside midfielder Szoboszlai. With Wataru Endo nursing an injury from the weekend, Klopp admitted that they’re hoping for some miraculous recoveries, especially with Salah and Nunez’s status being uncertain for the week.
“We’re relying on some miraculous recoveries from a few players, which is why I’m hesitant to rule them out for too long,” Klopp explained. “But it’s touch and go, especially with those who missed the final.”
Salah, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury from the Africa Cup of Nations, made a comeback during the 4-1 victory over Brentford but has missed the subsequent two matches.
Nunez, too, was forced off during the Brentford game and has been absent for the subsequent victories over Luton and in the final showdown at Wembley.