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Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield brought more than just disappointment on the scoreboard. It also delivered another injury worry for Arne Slot, as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch twisted his ankle midway through the second half. With a crucial Champions League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt just around the corner, Slot’s side faces yet another test of depth, resilience, and resolve.
Gravenberch Suffers Fresh Setback
Gravenberch’s evening started with promise. The Dutch midfielder was back in the starting lineup after shaking off a hamstring issue picked up during the international break. But his return didn’t last long. Around the hour mark, he went down awkwardly after a challenge and appeared to twist his ankle.
Although he initially tried to carry on, it quickly became clear that he couldn’t continue. Arne Slot made the decision to substitute him in the 62nd minute, clearly unwilling to take risks with another key player ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Germany.
“I took him off because he twisted his ankle,” Slot explained after the game. “Is he an injury concern? That’s what we have to wait and see tomorrow, but we have to play in two days again.”
It’s the last thing Liverpool needed after their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions. Gravenberch had shown flashes of creativity and control in midfield before the injury, and his absence could leave a noticeable gap in Slot’s plans for Europe.
Midfield Concerns Mount for Liverpool
Liverpool’s injury issues in midfield are beginning to pile up at a worrying time. With games coming thick and fast, Slot must balance rotation with performance. Gravenberch’s potential absence comes alongside a concerning knock to Alexis Mac Allister, who also needed treatment during the game.
The Argentine midfielder was accidentally caught on the head by teammate Virgil van Dijk’s elbow just moments before Manchester United took the lead. The blow left him needing four stitches, though he soldiered on bravely before being replaced later in the match.
Slot expressed concern over the incident and hinted that the referee’s decision not to stop play when Mac Allister went down had cost Liverpool dearly.
Controversy Over United’s Opening Goal
Manchester United’s opening goal came in just the second minute, with Bryan Mbeumo finishing off a counterattack while Mac Allister lay on the turf. Many inside Anfield expected the referee to halt the game due to a head injury, but play continued, and Liverpool found themselves behind before they had even settled.
Slot, while clearly frustrated, chose to remain composed and avoid criticism of the officials.
“I think the main thing we should do now, I should do now, is not complain or blame,” he said. “At that moment in time, I think we could have done much better after Maca was on the floor. We should have done better. But the health care of a player is something important, and if a player needs to have four stitches, you would hope that everybody understands that he needs immediate treatment.”
Despite his disappointment, Slot refused to pin the loss on that moment, insisting that Liverpool’s wastefulness in front of goal was the real issue.
Slot’s Honest Reflection After Defeat
Since taking charge, Slot has been vocal about building a team that plays fair, presses hard, and never resorts to theatrics. He reiterated that belief again on Sunday, stressing that Liverpool won’t start faking injuries to influence refereeing decisions.
“We are not a team that goes to the floor pretending if it is a head injury just to kill the counter-attack. That’s not who we are,” he said. “We are always a fair team, so if a player of ours is then on the floor, you would hope that everybody understands that it’s Liverpool they don’t do those kinds of things so let’s blow the whistle.”
The Dutch manager’s remarks reflect both pride and frustration. Pride in his players’ integrity, but frustration that it might have cost them in key moments.
Liverpool’s Struggles in Front of Goal Continue
For all the drama surrounding the injuries and refereeing calls, Liverpool’s biggest issue remains their lack of ruthlessness. The Reds created enough chances to win comfortably, yet once again, they failed to convert opportunities into goals.
“We missed far too many chances to win a game of football,” Slot admitted. “That’s the reason we lost today.”
It’s become a worrying theme in recent weeks. Despite controlling large spells of possession, Liverpool have struggled to turn dominance into results. Cody Gakpo’s equaliser briefly lifted spirits at Anfield, but Harry Maguire’s late header sealed another defeat for Slot’s men.
A Growing Pressure on Slot
Four straight losses have inevitably increased the pressure on Arne Slot. His start to life as Liverpool boss began with optimism and energetic performances, but results have slipped, and confidence seems fragile. Injuries, fatigue, and fine margins have all played a part, yet Slot’s insistence on staying calm and composed could prove vital as he tries to steer the team through this rocky period.
He refused to blame the officials, injuries, or luck, instead pointing to areas his team must improve. That honesty may not bring immediate relief, but it reflects a manager focused on fixing problems rather than finding excuses.
Frankfurt Awaits: A Critical Test
The upcoming Champions League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt now takes on extra importance. Liverpool need a response, both to stop the losing streak and to rebuild momentum in Europe.
If Gravenberch fails to recover in time, Slot will need to rethink his midfield setup. Wataru Endo or Curtis Jones could step in, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s energy will again be crucial. The challenge for Liverpool will be to stay disciplined defensively while rediscovering their cutting edge in attack. Frankfurt, known for their intensity and home support, will not make life easy. Slot will be hoping for at least one piece of good news from the treatment room before kickoff.
The Bigger Picture
Liverpool’s current run is testing the patience of fans and the endurance of players. Yet, within the struggles, there are glimpses of promise. Gravenberch, despite his stop-start season, has shown potential as a key midfield link. Mac Allister continues to adapt to different roles, and young players are gaining valuable minutes amid the injury setbacks.
For Slot, the goal is to stabilise the team, get players fit, and rebuild confidence before the fixtures pile up further. The next few weeks could define the tone of Liverpool’s season.
Conclusion
Ryan Gravenberch’s injury is another untimely blow for a Liverpool side already feeling the strain of a demanding schedule. Arne Slot’s measured response showed leadership and perspective, but the concern remains: how many more setbacks can his squad absorb before performances begin to dip even further?
As the Reds prepare for Frankfurt, the hope is that Gravenberch’s ankle issue isn’t serious and that Mac Allister’s stitches won’t keep him sidelined. Liverpool have the talent and character to recover, but they’ll need both health and belief to turn the tide.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com