Liverpool Injury Update: Barcola Fit, Gakpo Doubtful Ahead of Fulham Clash
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has eased fears over Bradley Barcola’s fitness but faces an anxious wait on Cody Gakpo ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Anfield.
The Reds host the winless Cottagers in a 3pm kick-off as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the season, and all eyes were on Barcola after he limped off in midweek.
Barcola boost after Atletico scare
Barcola, Liverpool’s £123 million summer signing, was withdrawn on the hour in Wednesday’s 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, sparking concern that their new star had suffered a setback.
Iraola moved quickly to shut that down.
“We still need to train this afternoon, but Barcola was just cramps, he finished the game tired so we have to evaluate but there's no injury. He should be available if everything goes normal,” the Liverpool manager said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
For a player already carrying a hefty price tag and expectation, the word “cramps” will sound like music to Liverpool ears. No lay-off, no scans, no early-season derailment. Just fatigue after a high-intensity European night.
Gakpo a major doubt
The picture is less clear with Gakpo.
The Dutch forward missed the Atletico tie entirely after picking up an adductor problem in last week’s game against Ipswich Town. His form to start the league campaign — one goal and three assists in the opening three matches — has made him a central figure in Iraola’s attacking plans.
Right now, he is racing the clock.
“Cody we will see,” Iraola admitted. “He did not train yesterday [Thursday], so today we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow [Saturday] or we need to wait until the next one.”
If he fails to make it, Liverpool lose one of their sharpest early-season contributors just as the fixtures begin to stack up. Fulham at home, Europe on the horizon, and the margins for rotation tightening already.
Ekitike still “far” from return
Hugo Ekitike remains the long-term absentee in Iraola’s squad.
The striker has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles in April, and while his recovery is on track, Liverpool are not counting on him any time soon.
“Hugo, it's difficult with these long-term injuries,” Iraola said. “He's still far. But we had a meeting with all the department to analyse and complete the list of European games and there's a small chance he could play in the last two games of the group stages, but it's too early to say. It's a big injury.
“But if we decided to put him there, it is because there's a hope and a realistic chance he could help us in January.”
So Barcola should be ready. Gakpo hangs in the balance. Ekitike is one for the new year. For an unbeaten Liverpool side trying to build early momentum, how Iraola navigates that trio could shape more than just one afternoon against Fulham.
