Arne Slot is optimistic about Ryan Gravenberch’s chances of returning from injury for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Dutch midfielder has missed the Reds’ last three matches with an ankle injury suffered during their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.

Only Villa and Arsenal have also lost just two home league matches since the start of last season, though Unai Emery’s side will feel this weekend presents a rare opportunity to win at Anfield.

Liverpool head into the game having lost six of their last seven matches, including their last two in a row, although Slot made wholesale changes for their midweek Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace.

Alexander Isak has also missed recent games for Liverpool due to a groin injury and could remain sidelined this weekend.

“Ryan has a good chance [of being back for the weekend],” Slot said during his post-match press conference following the 3-0 defeat to Palace in the League Cup. “The other ones, let’s wait and see.”

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