Striking: Netherlands international withdraws through injury, but his club tell a different story

Despite an injury keeping Ryan Gravenberch out of the Netherlands squad, there are doubts over how serious it is. Coach Andoni Iraola has not ruled out the midfielder playing against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Voetbal International confirms that a heel injury has kept Gravenberch out of national-team coach Xavi Hernández's squad for the internationals against Greece and Germany. The midfielder is normally a regular in the Netherlands squad but will miss the upcoming international period. The injury has also troubled him in recent matches.

Last Sunday, Gravenberch spent all 90 minutes on the bench during the 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal. Liverpool then left him out of the matchday squad altogether for Wednesday's Champions League match against Fenerbahçe, which they lost 3-2.

Gravenberch withdrew from the Netherlands squad for next week's international period, making the former Ajax midfielder look likely to miss Liverpool's match against Crystal Palace this Sunday. But Iraola offered a surprising update at his press conference on Friday.

"The situation remains unchanged. The only doubt we have is Ryan," said Iraola. "With Ryan, we're assessing the situation day by day," Iraola continued. "It's a question of pain. We have to wait and see whether he can cope with that pain and whether he can play on Sunday."

Against Crystal Palace, Liverpool will definitely be without several other players. Jeremie Frimpong is absent with a muscle injury, while Hugo Ekitiké has problems with his Achilles tendon. Knee injuries also rule out Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni for the time being.

Gravenberch's possible return would be welcome for Liverpool, who have now suffered two defeats in a row after five consecutive wins. Iraola understands the concern over recent results but has urged people not to lose sight of the bigger picture. "We're not as bad as we look today. A week ago, we weren't as good as we seemed then, either."