Gravenberch Ruled Out As Liverpool Name Squad For Champions League Trip

Liverpool head to Turkey on Wednesday evening to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League, looking to bounce back quickly from Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal at Anfield. Andoni Iraola has already shown in Europe this season that he is willing to rotate heavily, and that approach has paid off so far with three wins from three in the competition.

Gravenberch Misses Out Through Injury

The headline absence is Ryan Gravenberch, who the club confirmed will sit out the trip with a heel problem. According to Liverpool’s official website, the issue is expected to keep him out until after the upcoming international break, with Crystal Palace at home the target return date. His omission from the matchday squad against Arsenal had already hinted that something was not right, and it is now confirmed as more than just a precaution.

A Side Already Proven In Europe

Liverpool’s record in this season’s Champions League reads three wins from three, having already beaten Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal. That run gives Iraola license to shuffle his pack again against a Fenerbahce side with a physical reputation, even with Gravenberch unavailable to offer his usual options in midfield.

The Travelling Squad In Full

According to the 22 man squad confirmed by the club, Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman travel as the goalkeeping options. Ronald Araujo, Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas and Luke Chambers make up the defensive contingent, while Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and James McConnell provide the midfield options in Gravenberch’s absence. Up front, Iraola has Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns all available to choose from.

What It Means For Iraola’s Selection

With that depth in attack and a settled group already used to a rotation policy, Gravenberch’s absence should not derail Liverpool’s plans in Istanbul. The bigger question is whether facing a well organised but beatable Fenerbahce can help Liverpool rediscover some rhythm before they return to Premier League business against Crystal Palace after the international break.