Liverpool handed major injury boost ahead of Brentford clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Handed Major Boost Ahead of Brentford Clash

Liverpool supporters had an anxious wait this week after Ryan Gravenberch limped off during the defeat by Manchester United at Anfield. As reported by Lewis Steele for The Daily Mail, “The Dutch midfielder twisted his ankle and was still in some discomfort on Tuesday, according to sources, so opted not to fly to Germany.” He subsequently missed the “5 to 1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt this week”, a match that offered a timely confidence boost in Europe.

There is encouragement however, with Steele noting that “the 23 year old is hopeful of being fit to face Brentford” on Saturday. This update will be met with relief given how quickly fixtures are coming during this period of the season.

This was Gravenberch’s second fitness setback of October, with him having “flew home early from Netherlands duty, reporting minor hamstring discomfort.” Liverpool need the midfielder available to build rhythm under Arne Slot, especially after his strong start to the campaign.

Photo: IMAGO

Midfield Options Strengthening

The positive news extends beyond Gravenberch. Wataru Endo is also back in contention after his own injury concern. Steele confirmed that “Fellow midfielder Wataru Endo is also fit again after a recent injury ruled him out of a Japan camp over the international break.”

Endo has become a valuable option in midfield, particularly for matches that require control, composure and tactical discipline. Slot will welcome having both available as fixtures intensify domestically and in Europe.

Alisson Becker remains unavailable, with Steele stating “Alisson will not play in west London and is set to be on the sidelines for a bit longer yet.” Liverpool will again rely on their backup goalkeeping group, with fans hoping the Brazilian can return before the winter schedule ramps up.

Squad Depth Tested

There were additional concerns in the squad following the victory in Germany. Two Bundesliga based talents linked with Liverpool interest, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak, will be assessed. Steele revealed that “Liverpool will wait on updates from Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak with both set for scans upon their return to Merseyside.”

Isak in particular was forced off, with Steele reporting “Alexander Isak will have a scan to check the severity of the injury that forced him off at Eintracht Frankfurt.” While neither are Liverpool players, the club will monitor developments closely given their relevance to wider transfer conversations.

Photo: IMAGO

Brentford Challenge

Brentford away requires physical resilience and composure, and Liverpool will hope that Gravenberch makes the squad. With Alisson out, the defensive unit will need to be organised and efficient from the first whistle. Slot has already shown strong squad management since taking charge and will see this as another test of depth and mentality.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will feel a sense of relief after this update on Ryan Gravenberch. When a player goes down holding his ankle in a defeat to Manchester United, supporters always fear the worst, especially with a crucial Premier League match approaching. Hearing that he is hopeful of making the Brentford trip will settle nerves. His absence in the Frankfurt win was noticeable in terms of midfield balance, despite the scoreline, and many will feel that his growing influence under Arne Slot is becoming clear.

Alisson remaining out is worrying, because every Liverpool supporter understands how important he is to the system and stability. Even with Slot delivering the Premier League title in his debut season, losing the best goalkeeper in the world for any run of games creates anxiety. Brentford away is traditionally awkward, so this news forces fans to brace for a tense afternoon.

Endo’s return is a big lift because he offers maturity in midfield. Supporters will be glad he is back just as the fixture list crowds up. Fans may keep one eye on the situations around Frimpong and Isak too, because even if it relates to recruitment, these stories always spark speculation.

Overall, this update feels more positive than many expected after the United defeat. If Gravenberch plays, confidence rises, and supporters can travel to west London with more optimism rather than concern.