Quick Read
- Ryan Gravenberch missed Liverpool’s FA Community Shield game due to the birth of his first child.
- Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed the joyful news before the match against Crystal Palace.
- Gravenberch was expected to play despite a Premier League suspension, which does not apply to the Community Shield.
- Liverpool faced additional absences, including Kostas Tsimikas amid transfer rumors.
- The match served as a prelude to Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
As Liverpool took the field at Wembley for the 2025 FA Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on August 10, fans quickly noticed a significant absence. Ryan Gravenberch, a key player in the Reds’ midfield, was nowhere to be seen on the team sheet. The reason, however, was a joyful one: the birth of his first child.
Arne Slot Confirms the News
Moments before the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the media, clarifying Gravenberch’s absence. “Ryan Gravenberch is out just because last night he became a dad,” Slot confirmed, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano. This significant personal milestone came as a surprise to many, as Gravenberch had been expected to feature in the highly anticipated season curtain-raiser.
Despite his absence, Liverpool had a strong lineup featuring returning stars like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, as well as debutants Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. The Reds aimed to secure their first silverware of the 2025/26 season while sending a strong message to Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
A Busy Summer for Liverpool
The FA Community Shield marked the culmination of an intense summer for Liverpool, during which the club spent nearly $400 million in the transfer market. The team has been gearing up for a competitive season, with their Premier League opener against Bournemouth just five days away. Gravenberch’s absence, while understandable, was not the only surprise of the day. Kostas Tsimikas, another Liverpool player, was also missing from the squad amid rumors of a potential transfer to Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Liverpool was already dealing with injuries to Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who were sidelined following pre-season setbacks. These absences, coupled with Gravenberch’s personal leave, underscored the challenges facing Arne Slot as he navigates the early stages of the new campaign.
Gravenberch’s Eager Anticipation for the New Season
Gravenberch’s absence from the Community Shield was particularly notable because he had been expected to play, despite carrying a suspension from the previous season. The red card he received in Liverpool’s final 2024/25 Premier League match against Crystal Palace only applies to league games, making him eligible for the Wembley showdown. His partner’s labor, however, took precedence, and the Dutch international will now have to wait a little longer to make his first appearance of the new season.
As reported by Liverpool.com, Gravenberch has been an integral part of Liverpool’s plans since his arrival. The midfielder’s skill and versatility are expected to play a crucial role as the Reds aim to challenge on multiple fronts this season.
Looking Ahead
While Gravenberch celebrated a life-changing moment off the pitch, Liverpool proceeded with their preparations for the season ahead. The team’s performance at Wembley, regardless of the result, served as an early indicator of their readiness for a grueling campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Gravenberch as he returns to action, eager to contribute to Liverpool’s pursuit of domestic and European glory.
Ryan Gravenberch’s temporary absence may have left a gap in Liverpool’s midfield, but it also highlighted the human side of professional football—a reminder that, sometimes, life’s biggest victories occur far away from the pitch.