Iraola Provides Injury Update on Barcola and Gakpo Ahead of Fulham Match
Andoni Iraola moved to calm Liverpool nerves over Bradley Barcola but admitted Cody Gakpo remains a major doubt ahead of Fulham’s trip to Anfield.
Liverpool host the winless Cottagers on Saturday afternoon, protecting an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign and riding the high of a comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in midweek. The only cloud over that European night was the sight of Barcola being withdrawn on the hour with what looked like a physical problem.
Given the £123 million fee and the speed with which the France international has settled, any hint of an issue was always going to jolt Anfield. Iraola, though, drew a clear line under the concern.
“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.
The winger is expected to train again on Friday and, barring any setback, take his place in the squad against Fulham.
The situation around Gakpo is less straightforward. The Dutch forward missed the win over Atletico Madrid entirely after suffering an adductor problem in the league clash with Ipswich Town last week. His status for Saturday is firmly in the balance.
“Cody we will see. He did not train yesterday, so today we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow or we need to wait until the next one,” Iraola explained.
Gakpo’s possible absence would cut into Liverpool’s early-season fluency. The Netherlands international has started the campaign in sharp form, with one goal and three assists in the opening three Premier League fixtures, giving Iraola a potent, flexible option across the front line.
While Barcola edges towards involvement and Gakpo fights the clock, Hugo Ekitike remains parked in the long-term category. The striker ruptured his Achilles in April and is still some distance from a competitive return.
“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.”
For now, Liverpool head into the Fulham game knowing their record signing should be ready to go, their in-form Dutchman is racing to prove his fitness, and a longer-term gamble has already been taken with Europe in mind.
