The France international was withdrawn just before the hour mark during Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League win at Anfield on Wednesday after appearing to struggle with his left calf. He had been making his first start for the Reds following a late-summer move from Paris Saint-Germain that could rise to £123 million.
Iraola was clear after the match that there is no serious injury. “No, it is just cramp. It is just cramp, there is no injury,” he said. He explained that the club is still carefully managing Barcola’s minutes because the winger had almost no pre-season football with PSG and only around 30 minutes off the bench in his Premier League debut against Ipswich Town a few days earlier.
“With Bradley, it is about building his physical condition. We didn’t know until now, probably, how much he can play,” Iraola added. “He played 30 minutes the other day. Today we had some question marks about how many minutes he could give us and probably now we know.”
Despite the limited minutes, Barcola created two clear chances and looked sharp. Iraola was encouraged by that threat in behind the defence even though the chances went unconverted. “I’m very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the goalkeeper. He didn’t score, but I want him there. That is where he has to make the difference.”
The positive update is a relief for Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham. Barcola’s fitness will continue to be monitored, with the short turnaround between matches meaning his involvement may still be managed carefully.
Liverpool came from behind to win the Champions League opener, with Dominik Szoboszlai equalising after Marcos Llorente’s early goal and Alexis Mac Allister scoring the winner.
