Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch has been integral to Arne Slot since the manager arrived at Anfield in 2024.

The defensive midfielder’s fine displays for the Reds have helped him cement his place in the Netherlands starting XI for over a year.

Last Thursday, Ronald Koeman started the Liverpool star in Oranje’s World Cup qualifier win over Malta.

On Sunday, the 23-year-old started in the national team’s 4-0 win over Finland. He was withdrawn after the break and was replaced by Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders.

After the match, NOS interviewed Koeman and asked him about the Liverpool player’s substitution. The national team manager has confirmed he didn’t want to take a risk with him, and Voetbal Zone have relayed his comments.

“Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems. Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that,” he said.

Koeman’s admission may not please the Premier League winners and could raise alarm bells. However, the Netherlands international himself has tried to calm things down by ruling out any injury concern.

Voetbal Primeur caught up with him to ask for an update on his situation. Responding to that, Gravenberch explained: “It was partly fitness related....