Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed there is “hope” that Ryan Gravenberch could feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, as the midfielder nears a return from injury.

The Dutch international has been sidelined for much of Liverpool’s recent poor run, but Slot confirmed that Gravenberch has trained this week and could be in contention to start.

“Ryan trained yesterday and with us again today,” Slot told reporters. “We’ll make the call on whether he can start.”

Liverpool head into the Villa match in dismal form, having lost six of their last seven games in all competitions — including a midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Despite the poor results, Slot remains confident in his squad and the club’s direction.

“I’m happy with the team, the quality we have, and the strategy in place,” he said. “But the issue is that not everyone had a full pre-season or they’ve been injured. When three or four are out, you’re suddenly down to 15 or 16 fit players.

“I’m convinced 20 players is enough, but keeping them all fit has been difficult for obvious reasons.”

Managing Fatigue and Injuries

Slot admitted that fixture congestion has taken its toll, pointing to the challenges of maintaining fitness levels during a busy schedule.

“We’ve had stretches of three games in seven or eight days,” he explained. “It’s not about squad depth as much as it is about injuries and availability. Maybe last season we were lucky, and now we’re a bit unlucky. But we have to manage the situation — no excuses.”

When asked about Alexander Isak’s form and fitness, Slot noted that the striker, who joined on September 1, has also been affected by the demanding schedule.

Focus on the Future, Not Reflection

Amid Liverpool’s struggles, Slot dismissed talk of self-reflection, insisting his focus is on immediate improvement.

“Maybe the learning comes later,” he said. “Right now, I’m focused on how we can perform better on Saturday. My focus isn’t on looking back — it’s on how we get a good performance and result against Villa.”

Slot remains optimistic that Liverpool’s attacking quality will soon yield results.

“The first half against Palace was similar to our opening hour against Brentford. The quality of our players gives me confidence — we’re still creating enough chances. Eventually, the goals will come.”

Defensive Concerns and Set-Piece Struggles

Slot acknowledged that defensive lapses, particularly from set pieces, have been costly.

“In the Premier League, set pieces are vital. Against United, we conceded from one, then another from a throw-in. We defended 16 set pieces well — but right now, 15 isn’t enough.

“Someone told me, ‘No plan survives first contact,’ and that’s how it feels when you go a goal down early. It hurts confidence.”

The Dutch coach added that while Liverpool have struggled against more direct styles of play, he expects a different challenge from Villa.

“Some teams are very good at playing long and direct — Chelsea did that against us too. Villa and City build more from the back, but they’re both excellent sides. Villa even beat City with a set piece.”

Respect for Villa and Emery

Slot praised Unai Emery’s Villa side, who enter the game after a statement win over Manchester City.

“If you start the season with a few bad results, people say it’s not the same team. Then you win, and everything is positive again,” he said. “The Premier League is incredibly competitive. You can see Villa’s quality — they’ve built a strong playing style and rarely lose.”

No Contract Talks – Focus on Winning

Slot was caught off guard when asked about his Liverpool contract, which runs until 2027, and whether discussions over a new deal had begun.

“That’s the last question I expected,” he laughed. “My focus is completely on getting Liverpool back to winning ways.

“If there are contract talks, we never speak about them publicly. Let’s start winning again first — that’s my main priority.”