Iraola Faces Gakpo Dilemma as Arbeloa Returns to Anfield
Andoni Iraola heads into the weekend still waiting on Cody Gakpo. The forward missed Wednesday night’s win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield with what the Liverpool head coach called “adductor issues”, and his involvement against Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham is far from guaranteed.
Gakpo did not train on Thursday. Liverpool will try to push him in Friday’s session, but Iraola admitted the clock is ticking.
“[With] Cody, we will see. He didn't train yesterday. Today, we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one,” he said.
Barcola boost after cramp scare
One major concern from midweek has eased. Bradley Barcola, who was forced off in the second half of his full debut against Atletico, is expected to be fit.
The winger’s withdrawal looked worrying at the time, but Iraola confirmed it was down to cramp rather than a muscular tear.
“Barcola was just cramps,” he explained. “Obviously he finished tight in the game and then we have to evaluate with how are things today – but there's no injury. He should be available if everything goes normal.”
That will be welcome news after Barcola impressed in a front line that also featured Florian Wirtz and Ngumoha behind Alexander Isak in the 2-1 victory over Atletico on September 9.
Injury picture: Gomez close, Ekitike still distant
Joe Gomez is edging towards a return after a muscle issue suffered in pre-season. The defender could be back in the squad if he comes through training, while Federico Chiesa is also continuing his own recovery and remains under careful management.
The longer-term situation is less encouraging. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are still out and will not feature against Fulham.
Ekitike, sidelined by a ruptured Achilles tendon, remains a long way from full fitness, though Liverpool have pencilled in a possible late twist to his season.
“I think it's difficult with these long-term injuries, I think he's still far [away],” Iraola admitted. “But we had a meeting with the medical department to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages.
“But it's still very early to say. It's very early because it's a long-term injury [and] a big part of the rehab [he] is still to meet. But if we decide to put him there, it is because there is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January.”
Fulham near full strength for Anfield test
On the opposite bench, Arbeloa arrives on Merseyside with a largely clean bill of health. Tom Cairney, sidelined by a knee problem, is expected to be Fulham’s only absentee.
“We have to wait until the last training session,” Arbeloa said. “But just Tom [is currently out injured] and we will see after the training session if everyone is ready.”
Fulham’s last outing ended in frustration, a 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace on September 5 despite goals from an attacking unit built around Iwobi, Bobb, King, Palacios and Garcia. Arbeloa is still searching for his first Premier League points as Cottagers head coach.
The challenge now could hardly be more personal.
Arbeloa’s emotional return
Anfield shaped Arbeloa’s career. Between 2007 and 2009 he made 98 appearances for Liverpool, embedding himself in the club’s modern history before moving on to Real Madrid.
He has been back before as a player. This time, the feeling will be different.
“It will be so special. I went back when I was a Real Madrid player but now it's my first time as a coach. Anfield will always be a special place for me,” he said.
Nostalgia, though, will not save Fulham from Liverpool’s press or the noise from the Kop. Arbeloa knows that.
“We have a massive game for us and we have been working really hard this week. We know that we have to improve and we need to adjust some parts of our game.”
Liverpool, fresh from that 2-1 win over Atletico with Alisson, Van Dijk and Mac Allister anchoring a reshaped side, will expect to dictate the tempo again. Fulham, beaten but dangerous against Palace with Leno, Andersen and Bassey at the back, arrive with almost everyone fit and a coach who understands every echo inside this stadium.
Arbeloa wants his first points. Iraola wants momentum and a clean bill of health. Anfield, as ever, will decide who leaves with more than just memories.
