Liverpool's Carabao Cup triumph has been overshadowed by serious concerns over Ryan Gravenberch's fitness after the midfielder was stretchered off during Sunday's dramatic Wembley final.
Worrying Scenes at Wembley
The 21-year-old Dutch international suffered a significant ankle injury following a heavy challenge from Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo in the first half of the thrilling encounter. Medical staff immediately rushed to Gravenberch's aid, with the player requiring extensive treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed the severity of the situation post-match, revealing: "It's an injury. I feel really sorry for Ryan. It's a shame. It was a really bad challenge. The foot was in the wrong position."
Ankle Ligament Damage Confirmed
Early assessments indicate Gravenberch has sustained damage to ankle ligaments, though the full extent won't be known until further scans are conducted this week. The timing couldn't be worse for the young midfielder, who had been establishing himself as a key component in Klopp's midfield revolution.
Liverpool's medical team are now racing against time to determine the recovery timeline, with crucial Premier League and Europa League fixtures looming large on the horizon.
What This Means for Liverpool's Season
The potential long-term absence of Gravenberch represents a significant blow to Liverpool's quadruple ambitions. The former Bayern Munich star had started the Wembley showpiece, demonstrating Klopp's growing trust in his abilities.
With several key players already sidelined, including Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones, this latest injury crisis threatens to derail Liverpool's remarkable season at the worst possible moment.
Liverpool fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates on Gravenberch's condition as the club prepares for Wednesday's FA Cup clash against Southampton at Anfield.
