Liverpool could be about to get two important players back at exactly the right time.
According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, Ryan Gravenberch is set to return for Tuesday night’s Champions League meeting with Villarreal, while Cody Gakpo is also expected to make his comeback from an ankle injury.
And honestly, this is the sort of news Andoni Iraola needs.
Liverpool have had to manage several absences recently, and the schedule isn’t giving them much breathing room. Getting Gravenberch and Gakpo back would give Iraola more options in midfield and attack at a time when Liverpool need to keep picking up results.
Hopefully, this is the start of Liverpool getting some important players back.
Gravenberch’s return could make a real difference
I’ll be honest: I’ve wanted to see Gravenberch get back to his best for a while now.
We know what he can offer when he’s confident and playing with freedom. He can carry the ball through midfield, escape pressure and help Liverpool move from defence into attack.
Liverpool have missed that ability at times this season.
His return is particularly useful after the recent midfield disruption, with Dominik Szoboszlai also carrying an injury concern. Gravenberch could give Iraola a valuable option alongside Alexis Mac Allister, although the manager will need to decide how best to balance the midfield.
I’m not expecting one player’s return to solve every problem, but having Gravenberch available again would be a welcome boost.
Liverpool need more control in games, and his ability to progress the ball could help provide it.
Gakpo’s comeback could be just as important
Then there’s Cody Gakpo.
His ankle injury, sustained while playing for the Netherlands, has been a frustration because Liverpool need his attacking contribution. The club confirmed he returned from international duty for further assessment, and he subsequently missed the matches against Manchester City and LASK.
Gakpo gives Liverpool something different in the final third.
He can hold the ball up, drive at defenders, combine with teammates and make dangerous runs into the box. He also gives Iraola another experienced option across the forward line.
With Liverpool having had to cope without several attackers, his return would be a significant lift.
And I think Gakpo has a point to prove, too. Before the injury, he was beginning to look an increasingly important part of this Liverpool side. Hopefully, he can pick up where he left off rather than needing another lengthy spell to find his rhythm.
Villarreal is an important opportunity
Liverpool need to make Anfield count in Europe.
They have already shown they can score goals in the Champions League, but the defensive problems and injuries mean Iraola needs to find a better balance across the team.
Villarreal won’t simply turn up and make life easy for Liverpool. The Reds will need energy, composure and enough quality in the final third to turn possession into chances.
Having Gravenberch back could help Liverpool control the midfield, while Gakpo’s return would give them another threat in attack.
Those are two different benefits, but both matter.
And with more fixtures coming quickly, having additional options is just as important as having a strong starting eleven. Iraola needs players he can trust from the beginning and off the bench.
Liverpool still need to be sensible
The one thing I don’t want is for either player to be rushed back before they’re ready.
Gakpo has been dealing with an ankle problem, and Liverpool need to make sure he can cope with the demands of a match. Gravenberch also needs to be ready to contribute rather than simply being available on paper.
If both are fit enough to play, brilliant. If one needs a little longer, Liverpool have to take the longer view.
There’s no point risking another setback just to get a player back a few days earlier.
This is the boost Iraola needs
Liverpool have had enough disruption recently, and getting Gravenberch and Gakpo back would give the manager more choices at a crucial point in the schedule.
Gravenberch can help Liverpool progress the ball and regain control in midfield. Gakpo can add quality, movement and a goal threat in attack.
Neither return guarantees a win against Villarreal, but both would make Liverpool stronger and give Iraola more ways to approach the game.
Now we need to see them back on the pitch.
If the reports prove correct, Tuesday night could bring two very welcome returns for Liverpool.
And after the injury frustrations of recent weeks, I’ll happily take that.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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