Liverpool Frankfurt flight delay forces press conference cancellation ahead of crucial Champions League clash. Gravenberch ruled out with ankle injury

Liverpool Frankfurt flight delay disrupted the English club’s Champions League preparations on Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled press conference ahead of Wednesday’s tie in Germany.

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The Reds were delayed for over three hours on the tarmac due to technical issues with their aircraft, postponing their departure from Merseyside.

The club later confirmed the press event would not go ahead as planned due to the setback.

“A delay in the squad’s scheduled flight out to Frankfurt, due to technical issues with the aircraft, means the briefing will now not be able to take place,” read a statement from Liverpool.

The Champions League Group B clash against free-scoring Eintracht Frankfurt comes at a delicate moment for Liverpool, who are attempting to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat for the first time in 73 years.

In another blow to the squad, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been ruled out after picking up an ankle injury during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United.

His absence reduces options in midfield for Arne Slot, whose side are under pressure to turn around their form in Europe.

Gravenberch’s injury could present an opportunity for Florian Wirtz to start.

The German international has struggled to find form since his high-profile £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen and has been benched in the past two Premier League games.

Meanwhile, striker Hugo Ekitike is tipped to return to the XI.

The 23-year-old joined Liverpool from Frankfurt for £69 million in July and could make a statement against his former club.

Both sides go into the match level on three points after two group games, with the outcome in Frankfurt likely to play a decisive role in their route to the knockout stages.

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While the Liverpool Frankfurt flight delay may only be a logistical hiccup, it has added an extra layer of disruption to an already tense fixture.