Liverpool Boost as Barcola Cleared, Gakpo Uncertainty for Fulham Clash

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has eased fears over Bradley Barcola’s fitness but admitted Cody Gakpo is in a battle to make Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham at Anfield.

The unbeaten Reds host a winless Fulham side in a 3pm kickoff, with Iraola’s team looking to build on their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Barcola allays injury fears

Barcola sparked concern on Wednesday when he was withdrawn around the hour mark against Atletico, appearing to be struggling physically after another explosive display from the £123 million summer signing.

Any anxiety inside Anfield has been quickly cooled.

“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,” Iraola confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

The France international is expected to be in contention, a major boost for Liverpool as they look to keep their early-season momentum rolling.

Gakpo still a doubt

The news on Gakpo is less clear.

The Dutch forward missed the Atletico win entirely after picking up an adductor problem against Ipswich Town last week. His form before that setback had been outstanding: one goal and three assists in Liverpool’s opening three league fixtures.

“Cody we will see,” Iraola said. “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.”

Should Gakpo fail to prove his fitness in time, Liverpool would lose one of their sharpest attacking outlets just as the schedule begins to tighten.

Long road back for Ekitike

There is no such short-term hope for Hugo Ekitike.

The striker ruptured his Achilles in April and remains some distance from a return, although Liverpool have left the door ajar for a late European cameo.

“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, Iraola’s immediate calculation is simpler: Barcola ready, Gakpo touch and go, Ekitike parked for the long haul. How Liverpool navigate those fine margins on Saturday will say plenty about their staying power at the top end of the league.