Ryan Gravenberch fitness monitored for Liverpool's Palace clash

Liverpool are assessing Ryan Gravenberch's heel injury daily ahead of Sunday's Premier League match at Crystal Palace, with the midfielder's availability dependent on managing pain.

Ryan Gravenberch is Liverpool's only fitness doubt ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace. Head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed the midfielder's heel injury is being monitored on a daily basis.

"The only doubt we will have is Ryan," Iraola said at his pre-match press conference. "The Ryan Gravenberch thing is a day-to-day thing, it's a matter of pain."

The Dutchman missed last weekend's 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal and was then ruled out of the midweek Champions League loss to Fenerbahçe, where Liverpool fell 3-2 in Istanbul. The club currently sits sixth in the Premier League with 15 points from nine matches, nine points behind leaders Arsenal. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five outings across all competitions.

Squad implications

If Gravenberch is unavailable, Trey Nyoni could be paired with Alexis Mac Allister in central midfield. There is also an option to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai in a deeper role, which would allow Florian Wirtz to operate in the number ten position.

With several other players sidelined, including Jeremie Frimpong, Simone Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, and Conor Bradley, Iraola is expected to make changes from the side that lost in Turkey. Alisson Becker is set to start in goal, while Milos Kerkez and Ronald Araujo are likely to be restored to the full-back positions. Alexander Isak, who scored his seventh goal of the season against Fenerbahçe, is expected to lead the line.

Match context

The match at Selhurst Park kicks off at 2pm GMT on Sunday, with Palace currently 18th in the table. Should Gravenberch miss out, Trey Nyoni may be paired with Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.

Injury list details

Jeremie Frimpong is recovering from a hamstring strain sustained in training, while Simone Leoni continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee ligament injury. Forward Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with an ankle issue, and young defender Conor Bradley is out with a foot problem. The club's medical staff are working to have several of these players back in contention after the upcoming international break.

Recent performances

In the Champions League defeat to Fenerbahçe, Liverpool took an early lead through Florian Wirtz but were pegged back before halftime. Alexander Isak's second-half strike briefly restored the lead, but defensive errors allowed the Turkish side to score twice in the final twenty minutes. The result leaves Liverpool third in their Champions League group with two matches remaining.