Liverpool Star Out: Slot Warns Absence Could Shift Champions League Plans

Injury Update Ahead of Frankfurt Clash

The Dutch coach Arne Slot confirmed that Liverpool's midfielder Ryan Gravenberch sustained an ankle injury and will not travel to Frankfurt for the Champions League group-stage match against Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park on Wednesday.

Liverpool travel to Germany for the third group game with the aim of stopping a four-match winless run that began with Crystal Palace and continued through Galatasaray, Chelsea, and Manchester United. The Reds face a difficult test against a Frankfurt side with strong European pedigree.

Gravenberch's absence followed a limp in the previous game, with Slot emphasizing patience and a rotation-friendly approach across a busy schedule, including three substitutions after the 55th minute against Manchester United.

Slot indicated Gravenberch will miss the Frankfurt match but could be available by the weekend if the ankle responds well. He added that Frankfurt's atmosphere and their European experience demand focus and resilience from Liverpool.

On rotation, Slot said there are plenty of quality players, and with three games in seven days, rotating the squad is a sensible plan. He also hinted that Salah's form will factor into lineup decisions, including considerations about rest when appropriate.

The tie also carries a personal storyline as Hugo Ekitike returns to the Frankfurt arena—the club where he played before joining Liverpool this summer—adding an emotional edge to the contest.

Mohamed Salah remains central to Liverpool's attack, with the goal of reaching 250 goals for the club across all competitions, a milestone that would place him among the club’s all-time greats alongside Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

Liverpool have already played two Champions League matches this season: a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid and a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray. Domestically, a string of results underscores the need for a positive performance in Germany to regain momentum going into the next rounds.

Slot stressed that a win in Frankfurt would be crucial ahead of the next round’s clash with Real Madrid, highlighting the importance of every point in a difficult group. Ekitike’s return to the stadium adds a layer of intrigue as he seeks to leverage his European experience with Liverpool.

Salah’s ongoing pursuit of the 250-goal milestone is a central narrative, while Slot continues to evaluate whether to rotate or rest key players in a demanding schedule. The Reds’ performance in Germany will test their resilience and strategic approach in Europe.

In summary, Liverpool arrive in Frankfurt facing injury concerns, a busy fixture list, and pressure to deliver in Europe while navigating a pivotal phase of their campaign.

Sniper punchline 1: Slot rotates so precisely that even the bench gets a standing ovation—every substitution lands like a perfectly aimed shot.

Sniper punchline 2: If injuries were targets, Slot would be the sharpshooter with perfect aim—except the calendar keeps changing the target.