Liverpool FC has just taken a significant hit ahead of their crucial showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, and fans are holding their breath—could this be the turning point in their season? But here's where it gets controversial: injuries and selection dilemmas might force Arne Slot to shake things up in ways that could either reignite their form or deepen their struggles. Stick around to dive into the details of who’s in, who’s out, and why these decisions could spark heated debates among supporters.
Arne Slot revealed over the weekend that the injury needed careful evaluation, leading to Ryan Gravenberch sitting out Liverpool’s public training session on Tuesday. In a later announcement on the club’s official website, Slot expressed hope that Gravenberch could be ready for the Premier League fixture against Brentford, kicking off at 8pm BST on Saturday. 'It’s an ankle injury, so we’ll have to wait and see, allowing him some time to recover,' the manager explained.
Gravenberch’s potential unavailability represents a major setback for Liverpool, who are eager to break a four-game losing streak. His role in the squad is pivotal—think of him as the midfield guardian who shields the back four with his unique defensive instincts. Fortunately, Slot can welcome back midfielder Wataru Endo from injury, providing some midfield depth. Still, the Dutch coach hinted that Gravenberch’s absence might open doors for others, emphasizing how his specific skills in protecting the defense could create opportunities for teammates to step up.
Arne Slot is grappling with a tricky lineup puzzle for the Frankfurt match. (Image credit: REUTERS)
On another front, goalkeeper Alisson is sidelined as anticipated while healing from a hamstring problem, but Alexis Mac Allister has been cleared to play despite a head knock he suffered at Anfield during the weekend. For beginners in football tactics, this highlights how managers like Slot must balance fitness reports with match demands—sometimes risking players who seem borderline to avoid weakening the team further.
Slot’s revamped Liverpool squad offers plenty of attacking firepower, but with limited spots in the starting eleven, he faces tough choices. As their recent performances have been lackluster, the manager is likely to make changes. Besides finding a stand-in for the injured Gravenberch, Slot is considering whether to give Hugo Ekitike a debut against his old club, especially since summer signing Alexander Isak hasn’t quite hit his stride yet.
Florian Wirtz, another new face, could return to the fold after being benched recently, while stars like Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah will fight to retain their positions. And this is the part most people miss: with a series of sloppy defensive displays, only captain Virgil van Dijk and backup keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili might be untouchable in the defense, suggesting widespread rotations could be on the cards.
For a bit more context, the Champions League is Europe’s elite club competition, where teams battle for glory and massive rewards—Liverpool’s participation means high stakes, as a strong showing could boost morale and finances. To illustrate, think of players like Salah, who’s a consistent goal-scoring threat, versus newcomers like Ekitike, who brings fresh energy but unproven track record in big games.
The full squad traveling to face Frankfurt includes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Misciur, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Mac Allister, Salah, Bradley, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Ekitike, Robertson, Frimpong, Ngumoha.
This setup has fans buzzing—what if prioritizing youth over experience backfires? Do you agree with potentially starting Ekitike over the struggling Isak, or should Slot stick with proven performers to stabilize the team? And on a controversial note, is rotating the defense too risky against a tough opponent like Frankfurt, or a necessary shake-up to address those defensive lapses? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear if you think this is a smart gamble or a recipe for disaster!
