Liverpool news: Gravenberch out as Iraola takes the Reds to Fenerbahce

Ryan Gravenberch has been ruled out of Liverpool's Champions League fixture at Fenerbahce after sustaining a heel injury. The midfielder did not travel with the squad to Istanbul, and Andoni Iraola confirmed that Gravenberch is 'not fully confident' about the issue.

The manager provided further detail on the timeframe, hinting that a return could be on the horizon but refusing to put a firm date on it. The news comes as a blow given Gravenberch's importance to the midfield, but Iraola has options.

The squad that trained in Turkey numbered 22, with Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni also among those being monitored. Liverpool will need to adapt quickly as they aim to keep their perfect European record intact.

Andoni Iraola has called on his Liverpool side to be 'mentally very ready' to start on the front foot against Fenerbahce on Wednesday evening. The manager emphasised the importance of being 'good in our press' when selecting his team for the Champions League clash in Istanbul.

The squad trained on Tuesday evening at the Chobani Stadium, with 22 players taking part in the final preparations. Liverpool will wear their home kit for the early kick-off (17:45 GMT). With Gravenberch absent, Iraola will need to shuffle his midfield, but he has faith in the depth of his squad.

The Reds have been excellent in Europe so far and will look to maintain that form against a Fenerbahce side that will be desperate to impress on home soil.

Dirk Kuyt, now in charge of Fenerbahce, has described the prospect of leading the Turkish side against Liverpool as a 'very, very special occasion'. The former Red spent six years at Anfield and remains a fan favourite.

Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, is looking forward to the atmosphere in Istanbul and has dismissed any suggestion of a transfer away from Liverpool. He also admitted that the defeat to Arsenal was 'frustrating' but insisted the squad is focused on responding in Europe.

Gakpo spoke about Liverpool's attacking potential and the influence of Kuyt, who he admired growing up. The game marks a reunion of sorts, with Kuyt hoping to get one over his former club.

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Liverpool and Andoni Iraola after Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield, ending a 14-year wait for a Premier League win at the ground. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal as Arsenal returned to the top of the table.

The result was a setback for Liverpool, who had been in good form. Iraola is wasting no time dwelling on the defeat, focusing instead on the Champions League trip to Fenerbahce. The manager knows that a strong European campaign can quickly change the narrative.

With key players missing, the squad's resilience will be tested, but the mood remains determined.

Christian Ziege has defended under-fire Liverpool stars Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, insisting they can turn things around despite a difficult start to their Anfield careers. Ziege, who himself had a mixed spell at Liverpool, knows what it's like to struggle after a move.

He believes the pair have the quality to succeed and has urged patience from supporters. Frimpong and Kerkez have faced criticism for their performances, but Ziege's support will come as a boost. The duo will be hoping to prove their worth in the coming weeks as Liverpool navigate a busy fixture list.

Bradley Barcola has sent a clear instruction to Andoni Iraola, suggesting a potential change of tactic going forward. The winger, who has had a mixed start to his Liverpool career, pulled no punches about his own form and believes the team can benefit from a different approach.

Meanwhile, speculation continues about the future of one Liverpool star, with reports suggesting his time at Anfield is up after 123 games. The player in question has been linked with a move away, and a Fabrizio Romano update has only intensified the chatter.

With the January transfer window approaching, decisions will need to be made.