By Sohaib Shams
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been ruled out of the club's Champions League trip to Fenerbahce due to a heel problem, with manager Andoni Iraola providing a cautious update on the 24-year-old's availability for Sunday's Premier League match at Crystal Palace.
Heel Problem Forces Gravenberch Out
Gravenberch was absent from the 22-man travelling squad that flew to Turkey on Tuesday morning, remaining on Merseyside for treatment. The Netherlands international was an unused substitute in Sunday's defeat to Arsenal, with 19-year-old Trey Nyoni preferred for his first Premier League start.
Iraola: Pain Management Day-to-Day
Speaking at a press conference at Fenerbahce's Chobani Stadium — delayed over an hour by Istanbul traffic — Iraola described Gravenberch's condition as "day-to-day" and centred on pain management. "He hasn't improved since then, but it's going to be something that every day we ask him, every day we see how he is," Iraola said. He added that a return for the Palace game would be "lovely" but could not guarantee it.
Nyoni Set for Another Opportunity
Gravenberch's absence likely hands Nyoni another starting chance against Fenerbahce. Iraola expressed confidence in the teenager, noting he has been ready since pre-season and has featured in most recent matches. "He's doing very well and I think we have to encourage him to continue improving," the manager said.
Iraola Focused on Fenerbahce After Arsenal Controversy
Iraola was left furious after the Arsenal match when a penalty appeal for a shirt-pull on Alexander Isak was dismissed by referee Andy Madley and VAR. He suggested his players might need to dive to earn decisions but confirmed he had not requested a formal explanation from refereeing body Pro Ref, citing the short turnaround before the Fenerbahce fixture.
