Ryan Gravenberch’s problem is not as serious as initially feared (Photo: Getty Images)

Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders expects Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota to return earlier than planned, because the Dutch midfielder is simply suffering from fatigue.

The Merseysiders have been hit by a string of injuries ahead of a crucial week when they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday evening before Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Anfield on Saturday evening.

Mac Allister has a knee injury that has forced him to miss the last three games, Diogo Jota has a hamstring problem, Joel Matip has torn his cruciate ligament, while Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic are also missing.

However, Lijnders is confident that a number of injured Liverpool stars are not far from returning, while Gravenberch – who limped against Manchester United – should be fit for the match against Arsenal.

“We thought there really was something there, him.” [Gravenberch] “He asserted himself during the match and you immediately saw what that did for the team. He played very well,” Lijnders said on Liverpool’s website.

“He’s playing unbelievable, especially against these man-marking teams.” But he had a scan and it was just STUPID [delayed onset muscle soreness]That’s fatigue, so that’s very good.

“Hopefully he trains today, let’s see where he is. Of course we must be careful, because this is a sign. So that’s good.’

Mac Allister is making good progress, but still needs a few more weeks (Photo: Getty)

Asked whether Gravenberch could even play against Newcastle on Wednesday, the Liverpool assistant explained: “It’s like this: if a player is tired and loosens up, there is something, but there is no muscle tear, nothing in the muscle – but that Muscle is there.” tired. because he feels something.

“So we have to be careful. But like I said, hopefully he can train today and then we have to judge it, but the most important thing is that he has to judge it himself.

“I don’t see why he wouldn’t be available next week, so we’ll see tomorrow. ‘The games are too early!’

Lijnders also had positive comments about Mac Allister and Jota, even though they will not be back in time for the game against Arsenal. “Alexis is making good progress, he is no longer in pain and that is a good thing.” It was worse than we first thought, but he is making good progress and in no pain. Let’s see if we can take him further.

“Diogo does ball work on the field, so that’s getting closer. But you always have to be careful with thigh injuries. We always say: if they come back, definitely give them another day, two or three.”

Asked about the timetable for Mac Allister’s return, Lijnders said: “It’s the new year, but it could be, and we’re playing on January 1, so we’ll see.”