Iraola confirms Gravenberch heel issue leaves Liverpool's Fenerbahce trip in doubt

Ryan Gravenberch was absent from Liverpool’s 22-man travelling squad for their Champions League trip to Fenerbahce on Tuesday, after being held back on Merseyside to receive treatment on a heel injury.

Manager Andoni Iraola addressed the 24-year-old’s condition at a press conference held at Fenerbahce’s Chobani Stadium in Istanbul — a briefing that was delayed by more than an hour due to traffic. Asked whether Gravenberch could return for Sunday’s Premier League visit to Crystal Palace, Iraola offered little certainty.

“I don’t know, it’s a day-to-day thing. It’s the heel, it’s about the pain,” he said. “I think he’s been in some discomfort. The other day against Arsenal, he was warming up and he was not fully confident. He hasn’t improved since then, but it’s going to be something that every day we ask him, every day we see how he is. If he can be available for the weekend, lovely. It would be a very good help for us, but I cannot tell you right now.”

Gravenberch was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, with teenager Trey Nyoni preferred in midfield — the 19-year-old making his first Premier League start. His absence in Istanbul is likely to hand Nyoni another opportunity from the off in the Champions League.

Iraola spoke positively about Nyoni’s development, urging the club to keep faith in the youngster. “I think he has to continue in the same place that has been since the beginning of pre-season, being ready for every game,” the manager said. “He’s playing most of the games or even all the games lately, so we trust him. He’s doing very well and I think we have to encourage him to continue improving, continue learning, continue adding experience. But he’s in a very good place.”

Iraola also addressed the fallout from the Arsenal defeat, in which a penalty appeal over a shirt-pull on Alexander Isak was waved away by referee Andy Madley and VAR. The Bournemouth-born Spaniard had been vocal in his frustration after the match, going as far as saying he would instruct his players to go to ground to force officials into action. On Tuesday, however, he confirmed he had not formally requested an explanation from refereeing body Pro Ref over the decision.