Liverpool Await Fitness Updates on Barcola and Gakpo Ahead of Fulham
Liverpool are monitoring the fitness of Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham at Anfield.
Barcola was withdrawn during Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday after experiencing cramp. The French winger had made his first start for the club since joining this summer and was replaced shortly after the hour mark.
Head coach Andoni Iraola subsequently confirmed that Barcola had not suffered an injury, explaining that the player is still building his physical condition after having limited involvement in pre-season. The 23-year-old had only recently begun increasing his minutes following his move to Liverpool.
Gakpo, meanwhile, missed the Atlético Madrid match after experiencing discomfort in his adductors. Iraola described the issue as minor but admitted that he could not guarantee the Netherlands international would be available for the Fulham fixture.
“We need to recover, we need to regroup and think because in two days and a half we play again here,” Iraola said after the Champions League victory. “I hope we can have Cody with us, but I cannot guarantee it.”
Gakpo had started Liverpool’s Premier League campaign strongly, providing two assists for Alexander Isak in the 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town before also featuring in the following league fixture. His absence against Atlético therefore leaves the Reds waiting to see whether he will recover in time for the weekend.
Barcola's situation appears less concerning, with his issue attributed to cramp rather than an injury. However, given his limited pre-season preparation, Liverpool are likely to continue managing his workload carefully.
With Liverpool facing Fulham only a few days after their Champions League opener, Iraola will have to assess both players during the final stages of their preparation before deciding whether they are fit enough to feature.
Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League and will be looking to build on their first league victory of the season when Fulham visit Anfield on Saturday.
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