Iraola eases fear over Bradley Barcola's injury scare after Champions League win over Atletico Madrid
Liverpool have received a positive update on Bradley Barcola after the winger was forced off during the Reds’ 2-1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
Barcola made his first start for Liverpool since completing his move to the club and was withdrawn shortly before the hour mark after appearing to experience discomfort in his left calf. He was replaced as a precaution, raising initial concerns that he could have suffered an injury.
However, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Barcola did not suffer an injury and that the issue was cramp.
He said: “I just asked him if it was cramp and he said yes, so that was a relief.
“It was just cramp. We have been rushing Bradley a little bit because he hadn’t played any minutes in pre-season.
“We wanted him to play but said to just give us whatever he had. We have another game in three days.”
The manager explained that Barcola’s fitness is still being built up after the winger had limited involvement in pre-season before joining Liverpool. He had played around 30 minutes against Ipswich Town before starting against Atlético Madrid.
Despite being forced off, Barcola had a positive impact during his time on the pitch and twice found himself in promising positions against Jan Oblak. Iraola was pleased with his movement and ability to get into dangerous areas, even though he was unable to convert his chances.
The update will come as a relief to Liverpool supporters, with the club facing another Premier League fixture against Fulham on Saturday. Barcola’s condition will nevertheless be monitored as the squad manages his workload and builds his match fitness.
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