Koeman explains Ryan Gravenberch’s half-time withdrawal after injury concern

Liverpool Handed Injury Boost as Ronald Koeman Eases Fears Over Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool supporters were briefly alarmed after Ryan Gravenberch was substituted at half-time during the Netherlands’ 4–0 victory over Finland, but national team manager Ronald Koeman has since confirmed that the midfielder’s issue is only minor.

The 22-year-old started alongside Frenkie de Jong in midfield but did not emerge after the break, sparking concerns of a potential injury setback. However, Koeman moved quickly to allay fears, explaining to NOS (via Voetbalzone.nl):

“Ryan mentioned he felt a bit of discomfort in his hamstring. We didn’t want to take any risks with that.”

Koeman clarified that the change was not tactical, with Tijjani Reijnders replacing Gravenberch simply as a precaution to manage his workload.

The news comes as a relief to Arne Slot and Liverpool fans, given the Dutchman’s strong form so far this season. With Mohamed Salah currently rested while on international duty with Egypt, Liverpool will be hoping Gravenberch’s minor issue doesn’t prevent him from featuring in the upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Slot has managed his squad carefully amid a congested fixture list, and Gravenberch has been one of the team’s most consistent performers, establishing himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield setup.

Elsewhere, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo were both on the scoresheet as the Netherlands cruised to victory, rounding off a dominant performance for Koeman’s side.

For Liverpool, the biggest takeaway is that the Dutch medical staff acted swiftly — and early caution may have prevented a more serious issue. For now, all signs suggest Gravenberch’s hamstring concern is minor — welcome news for the Reds ahead of a critical stretch of fixtures.

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