Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad for their upcoming two-legged Nations League quarter-final against Spain due to an injury picked up in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United.
The announcement was made by the Dutch national team via social media on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old sustained a knock during the Reds’ loss at Wembley on Sunday and is still suffering from the effects, preventing him from participating in the crucial matches against Spain.
“The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain,” the Netherlands’ national team stated in their social media post.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has decided against calling up a replacement for Gravenberch for the two fixtures. The first leg is scheduled to take place in Rotterdam on Thursday, with the return leg in Valencia on Sunday.
Gravenberch’s absence is a significant blow for the Dutch national team as they prepare for the vital quarter-final clashes.
The young midfielder has been a regular fixture for Liverpool this season, making 41 appearances across all competitions, including 29 in the Premier League.
The injury also casts doubt over Gravenberch’s availability for Liverpool’s next Premier League match, the highly anticipated Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on April 2nd.
The Reds will be hoping their midfielder can recover in time for the crucial fixture as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season.
