Liverpool star spotted with ankle strap after 2-1 win over Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Liverpool FC head coach Arne Slot

Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League table with an impressive 2-1 victory over Wolves on Saturday, September 28. At the heart of their solid performance was Ryan Gravenberch, who was named Player of the Match. However, there were some fitness concerns raised when images of the Dutchman surfaced on social media.

Liverpool started brightly, and after struggling to break down Wolves’ resolute defense, they finally took the lead in stoppage time of the first half. Ibrahima Konate rose highest to head home Diogo Jota’s cross, giving the Reds a narrow advantage heading into the break.

Wolves responded well, with Rayan Ait-Nouri equalizing 11 minutes into the second half. However, their momentum was halted when Nelson Semedo brought down Jota in the 61st minute, leading to a penalty that Mohamed Salah converted.

The Reds certainly had to dig deep to secure all three points, and Gravenberch played a key role in their defensive efforts. He recorded a 92% pass accuracy and made the most tackles in the game.

Several teammates playfully took a dig at Gravenberch for receiving yet another Player of the Match award. One such jest came from Andrew Robertson, who posted a picture on social media with the caption, “give it a rest.”

However, sharp-eyed Liverpool fans noticed Gravenberch had a strapping on his ankle, raising concerns about a possible injury.

Despite the apparent knock, the 22-year-old seemed to play through it, while manager Arne Slot did not provide any updates as well. Liverpool fans will be hoping it’s nothing serious, especially with a tough set of fixtures ahead in both domestic and European competitions.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravernberch reflects on his impressive start to the season

Gravenberch’s move to Liverpool from Bayern Munich last year didn’t go as planned, as he struggled to secure a starting role under Jurgen Klopp. However, Liverpool’s failure to sign a defensive midfielder opened the door for the Dutchman to prove his worth, and he has seized the opportunity with both hands.

Speaking about his strong start to the season, Gravenberch credited Arne Slot for giving him the confidence to play his best football.

“Of course, this season I want to show myself again. I think I’m [going] in the right way. I have to keep going. I’m happy. He [head coach Arne Slot] just put me in the starting XI and gave me a lot of confidence – and you see it. I think I’m doing really well. I think a team like Liverpool always has to be in the top four, for sure. We keep pushing and keep pushing, but it’s still really early," he said (via Liverpool's official website).

Lverpool’s next challenge will be against Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday, October 3, followed by a trip to London to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, October 6.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava