The Dutch midfielder’s absence from the team’s travel footage on Saturday sparked speculation, later confirmed when he was officially ruled out. Wataru Endo took his place in the starting lineup as the defensive midfielder.
Gravenberch wasn’t injured — he was simply rested, according to Lewis Steele of The Mail.
Having already logged a personal record of 3,966 minutes this season, the 22-year-old has appeared fatigued in recent games. In fact, he ranks third in total minutes played for Liverpool this Premier League season.
With Liverpool already securing the league title, Slot took the opportunity to rest Gravenberch — especially with his likely involvement in the Netherlands’ summer campaign.
Another possible reason for the break is that Gravenberch is soon to become a father, so Slot may be giving him time off in anticipation of that life event
