Arne Slot has pulled off a MASTERSTROKE to bolster midfield options

Liverpool finished off their fixtures before the international window in poor form. First they lost against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16, going down on penalties at Anfield.

Last weekend there was more anguish when Newcastle defeated the Reds in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

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The break comes at a good time for Arne Slot. His team appears jaded and in need of a rest. Of course not every player will get one - with the majority of the Reds’ first-team squad away with their various national teams.

But one star looks set for nearly two weeks without a game and that could be good news for Slot and his title-chasing side.

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Gravenberch withdrawn from international duty

Ryan Gravenberch, 22, has been one of the revelations of the Liverpool season. The Dutchman effortlessly slotted in to the vacant No6 position, helping fans forget all about the failed transfer chase for Martin Zubimendi.

But his stellar season has come at a cost.

He’s been ever-present in the Premier League but has been replaced four times in his last eight league matches. Furthermore, he was also withdrawn against Newcastle.

Gravenberch was nonetheless included in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the UEFA Nations League matches against Spain this week.

However, after linking up with his teammates - including Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo - he was sent back to the AXA Training Centre earlier than scheduled.

Liverpool back in action on April 2

Both Liverpool and the Dutch national team confirmed on Wednesday that Gravenberch would be treated by his club for an undisclosed fitness issue.

It wasn’t previously known that Gravenberch was hurt so the nature of the knock doesn’t appear to be that serious. Slot therefore could have a fresh Gravenberch at his disposal when the Reds are back in Premier League action against Everton on April 2.

Who knows, maybe Slot has had a word with the Dutch FA, in much the same way Sir Alex Ferguson used to do when he was in charge of Manchester United.

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If he did, then it has the potential to be a midfield masterstroke - helping to preserve legs in the middle of the park as Liverpool attempt to knock off the final 16 points needed to claim the title.

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