Liverpool injury news: Concern for midfielder after being forced to pull out of national team squad | OneFootball

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has pulled out of the Netherlands squad after picking up an injury in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle.

Gravenberch was included by Dutch boss Ronald Koeman as part of the squad to face Spain in the Nations League.

But the knock suffered by the 22-year-old means he will no longer be taking part.

In a statement on social media, the Netherlands national team said: “The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain.”

The injury concern casts doubt as to whether Gravenberch will be fit to face Everton after the international break.

He has been an integral part of a Reds side which currently sits 12 points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with nine games left to play.

He was thrust into an unfamiliar holding midfield role this season under Arne Slot but has thrived in his new position.

Speaking about Gravenberch’s performances this season back in December, Slot said: “Impressed, like everyone who was in the stadium or saw the game.

“Ryan did outstanding again today. Without the ball, he was mostly in our last line, had to play sometimes against a nine, against wingers who are really fast.

“And with the ball, he came into the midfield. An outstanding performance from him.”

Gravenberch’s absence for Liverpool could require the likes of Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister to drop into a deeper role, or could present an opportunity for Wataru Endo to impress having found game time hard to come by this season.

Liverpool were dealt a boost this week, however, with Harvey Elliott taking part in training with the England U21 side.

Elliott was called up to Lee Carsley’s squad to face France and Portugal but suffered an injury in the Carabao Cup final after a collision with Newcastle midfielder Joelinton.

He was seen limping after the game but does not look set for a spell out on the sidelines.