Liverpool injury news: Pep Lijnders provides promising Ryan Gravenberch update

Liverpool have received a boost ahead of their Carabao Cup tie against West Ham United as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch's injury appears to be less serious than first feared.

The Dutchman was withdrawn after 61 minutes of the Reds' 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Sunday with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Jurgen Klopp said at the time that he was hopeful that the injury was nothing more than a minor setback, but was nonetheless concerned: “I hope it is not that serious but we have in the next 10 days three more games, so I don’t know if he will be part of them or one of them. We will see, we have to make a scan.”

Now, though, Liverpool's assistant manager, Pepijn Lijnders, speaking during the press conference to preview Wednesday's game, has provided a positive update, expressing relief over the initial diagnosis.

"We thought there was really something. He came off during the game, and you saw immediately what that did to the team as well," Lijnders said.

"He was playing really well. Especially against these man-marking sides, he plays unbelievably."

Gravenberch has enjoyed a prosperous start to life on Merseyside since his deadline day arrival from Bayern Munich at the end of the summer transfer window, bagging two goals and two assists. He was one of the few bright sparks in an underwhelming first half on Sunday, and his withdrawal coincided with the visitors' best spell of the game.

The Dutch midfielder underwent a scan following the match, which revealed a less severe prognosis than feared. "It’s only DOMS, which is fatigue, so that’s a really good thing," Lijnders explained.

"He will train hopefully today. Let’s see where he is. We have to be careful, of course, because that’s a sign. So that’s a good one."

Mac Allister and Jota on the way back

Lijnders also provided an update on the status of Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.

“Alexis is progressing well; he doesn’t have pain anymore, which is a good thing," he said, while indicating that Jota had now upped his recovery and was now taking part in "ball work on the pitch".

There was, however, bad news for young Scottish winger Ben Doak. The 18-year-old is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a lateral meniscus tear which requires surgery.