Liverpool handed huge injury boost amid Alexander Isak update - 'I will be there'

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Ryan Gravenberch has given Liverpool a major fitness boost ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with Aston Villa by declaring himself ready for action. The Dutch midfielder has been sidelined for the Reds' previous three fixtures following an ankle injury sustained in the match against Manchester United .

The 23-year-old picked up the problem early in the second period after a challenge involving Bryan Mbuemo. Despite initially attempting to continue, he was eventually substituted shortly after the hour mark.

Since then, Gravenberch has been absent for Liverpool 's win over Eintracht Frankfurt and subsequent losses to Brentford and Crystal Palace . However, manager Arne Slot revealed during Friday morning's pre-match press briefing that his compatriot could feature against Villa after rejoining team training on Thursday.

"Ryan trained yesterday, (Alexander) Isak and (Curtis) Jones didn't yet," he said. "Timescale? I have said many times, the end phase of the injury, things can go slower or faster. Let's wait and see where they are.

"Ryan trained yesterday and with us today and we'll make the call if he can start. The other two 99.9% not in the squad.

Having also trained on Friday, Gravenberch is now eager to make his comeback. "Yes, yes. I feel really confident," he told club media when questioned about his availability for the Villa fixture. "Yesterday I had a session, today as well. If everything is good, I will be there tomorrow."

With Jones struggling with fitness issues and Alexis Mac Allister yet to rediscover his sharpest form following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Dutchman's availability provides Slot with crucial reinforcements in the middle of the park. Gravenberch's comeback couldn't come at a better moment for Liverpool as they attempt to halt a dismal sequence that's seen them suffer defeat in their previous four Premier League fixtures and six of their last seven outings across all competitions.

Understandably, the midfielder is eager to play his part in helping the Reds turn their fortunes around - beginning with Villa on Saturday.

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"(It would be) really important (for me to get back and help us turn things around)," he said. "Everyone around here, also the fans and us, need to go back to winning ways.

"As a team we have to stick together. Everyone has to stick together, to be honest. Stick together, do the basic things right again and see from there.

"It's a huge week but the most important thing is to go game by game. That is Villa tomorrow and we have to be ready for that.

"They're really good now. It will be a tough game. We know they are really good also on the counter-attack, so we have to prepare for that as well. But I think if we do the basic things right again, we have a good chance that we will get a result."

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