Liverpool have been handed a fresh fitness concern ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester United, as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch faces a race against time to be fit.

The Dutch international was forced off at half-time during the Netherlands’ 4-0 victory over Finland, raising concerns over a possible hamstring injury just days before one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.

With several key players already nursing fitness issues, this latest setback could complicate Arne Slot’s preparations for the clash at Anfield.

Ryan Gravenberch suffered injury on international duty

The 23-year-old midfielder, who has been in impressive form since his arrival from Bayern Munich, was substituted at the interval of the Netherlands’ emphatic win in Helsinki.

He was replaced by Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders as a precautionary measure.

Dutch manager Ronald Koeman confirmed after the game that the decision to remove Gravenberch was made to avoid aggravating the problem.

Speaking to NOS after the match (as reported by voetbalzone.nl), Koeman said:

“Ryan indicated he was experiencing some minor hamstring discomfort. We obviously didn’t take any risks with that.”

The player himself later reassured fans, suggesting that the issue was partly fitness-related rather than a serious injury.

“It was partly fitness related. The season is long,...