Ryan Gravenberch Returns to Liverpool Pre‑Season Tour Ahead of New Campaign

**Ryan Gravenberch** is set to link up with Liverpool in Chicago on **20 Jul 2026**, after dropping out of the World Cup at the round‑of‑32 stage. The Dutch midfielder will miss the Sunderland pre‑season friendly in Nashville on 27 Jul but could feature against Wrexham on 30 Jul in New York and Leeds United on 2 Aug in Chicago, depending on his fitness.

What is the pre‑season schedule for Gravenberch?

Liverpool’s U.S. tour kicks off with a flight to Chicago on Monday, where the squad will train before heading to Nashville for the Sunderland match. After that, the itinerary includes a clash with Wrexham in New York on 30 Jul, followed by a game against Leeds United in Chicago on 2 Aug. Gravenberch’s arrival is timed to give him a chance to train with teammates before the Wrexham fixture, but his participation remains conditional on recovery from the World Cup.

Why does Gravenberch miss the Sunderland friendly?

The decision stems from a tight turnaround after the Netherlands exited the World Cup on 13 Jul. Gravenberch, along with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, needs a brief rest before re‑joining Liverpool’s training camp. Sunderland’s match in Nashville is slated for 27 Jul, leaving only a few days for travel and conditioning. Coach Jürgen Klopp prefers to avoid overloading the midfielder, aiming for a full‑strength performance in the later fixtures.

How does his return compare with other Dutch players?

Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo also left the World Cup at the same stage, but reports suggest they may receive extra time off. Van Dijk, who logged every minute of Liverpool’s league campaign and the World Cup, could stay in Europe longer. Gakpo faces personal tragedy, having lost an unborn child during the tournament, which may affect his schedule. In contrast, Gravenberch’s timeline is the most aggressive, reflecting his desire to cement a starting role ahead of the Premier League season.

What are the implications for Liverpool’s squad depth?

Gravenberch’s early return bolsters Liverpool’s midfield options as the club navigates a congested pre‑season. With Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Victor Muñoz slated to join later in August, the Dutch midfielder’s presence offers tactical flexibility for the Wrexham and Leeds games. Should he impress, Klopp may consider him for a regular spot, especially with the summer window still open for potential signings.

What comes next for Gravenberch?

After the U.S. tour, Liverpool returns to England for a final friendly against Como on 16 Aug at Anfield. Gravenberch will have a full week of training between the Leeds match and the Como fixture, providing a window to fine‑tune his fitness. If he stays injury‑free, the midfielder could be ready for the Premier League opener in early September, adding depth to a squad that has already endured a demanding season.