Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has withdrawn from the Netherlands national team camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final matches against Spain, scheduled for Thursday and Sunday. The 22-year-old’s departure from the squad was confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) on Wednesday evening, citing an injury sustained during Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The news adds to a challenging week for both Gravenberch and his club, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures.
The KNVB announced the development via their official social media channels, stating: “Ryan Gravenberch has left the Oranje’s training camp this evening. The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain. Take care, Ryan!” Gravenberch had initially joined the Netherlands squad alongside Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo in Utrecht earlier this week, but after training with the group on Monday, his condition deteriorated, prompting his exit from the camp.
Gravenberch, a former Ajax and Bayern Munich star, played 74 minutes in Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, a match that saw the Reds relinquish their chance at silverware in the Carabao Cup. While the exact nature of his injury has not been fully disclosed by either the KNVB or Liverpool, it is believed to have occurred during the Wembley clash. Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman has opted not to call up a replacement for the two-legged tie against Spain, with the first leg set to take place in Rotterdam on March 20 and the second in Valencia on March 23.
Liverpool Football Club also released a statement confirming Gravenberch’s withdrawal: “Ryan Gravenberch has departed the Netherlands camp and will not be involved in their fixtures this week. The Liverpool midfielder had linked up with his country… for a UEFA Nations League double-header versus Spain on Thursday and Sunday. However, the Dutch announced on Wednesday evening that Gravenberch has now withdrawn from duty due to a fitness issue.” The club added that the 22-year-old will return to Merseyside, where he will undergo further assessment ahead of their next Premier League match against Everton on April 2, 2025.
This injury setback comes at a pivotal moment for Gravenberch, who has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s midfield this season under manager Arne Slot. Having started every league match for the Premier League title contenders and racking up 41 appearances across all competitions, the Dutchman has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. His transition to a deeper-lying midfield role under Slot has earned him widespread praise, most notably for his commanding performance in a 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this season. However, this latest injury could disrupt his momentum and test Liverpool’s squad depth as they navigate a congested fixture schedule.
The timing of Gravenberch’s withdrawal also underscores a turbulent week for Liverpool. Just five days before the Carabao Cup final loss, the Reds were eliminated from the Champions League in the last-16 stage after a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Adding to the club’s woes, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also sustained an injury during that match and has since withdrawn from England’s international squad, leaving Slot with multiple fitness concerns to address during the international break.
For the Netherlands, Gravenberch’s absence is a blow as they prepare to face a formidable Spanish side in the Nations League quarter-finals. Koeman, who has previously expressed frustration with Gravenberch’s commitment to the national team, will now rely on other midfield options, including Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, both of whom are expected to feature prominently. Koeman confirmed on Wednesday that Memphis Depay, recently recalled after a stint with Corinthians in Brazil, will lead the attack in Rotterdam, while de Jong, recovered from a weekend illness, declared himself fit for up to 90 minutes despite past ankle concerns.
Gravenberch’s history with the Dutch national team has been a mix of promise and tension. After making his senior debut in 2021 and earning 11 caps under former manager Louis van Gaal, he was notably omitted from the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad due to limited playing time at Bayern Munich. His move to Liverpool in 2023 revitalized his career, but his relationship with Koeman has faced scrutiny. In September 2023, Gravenberch declined a call-up to the Netherlands U21 squad to focus on settling at Liverpool, a decision that drew criticism from Koeman, who remarked, “We are not happy with Ryan Gravenberch refusing to play for his country.” The midfielder was subsequently left out of both senior and U21 squads for October and November 2023, though he returned to the fold for UEFA Euro 2024.