Bradley Barcola is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, September 12, although Cody Gakpo remains a doubt.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has yet to confirm whether either player will make the matchday squad, but the Spaniard suggested both could feature against the Cottagers.
Barcola was forced off during Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid after experiencing cramps. However, Iraola played down concerns over the summer signing’s fitness during his pre-match press conference at the club’s AXA Training Centre on Friday.
“We still need to train this afternoon. Barcola was just cramps. We have to evaluate how he is today, but there’s no injury,” Iraola said.
“He should, I think, be available, if everything goes normal.
“Cody (Gakpo), we will see. He didn’t train yesterday. Today we will try with him and let’s see if he’s ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one.”
Gakpo missed Liverpool’s 2-1 home win over Atletico and will be assessed ahead of the Fulham fixture. The Netherlands international has made a strong start to the campaign, contributing one goal and three assists.
Iraola was also asked about Hugo Ekitike, who continues his recovery from a serious Achilles injury.
A video emerged earlier this week showing the France international working with a ball against a wall as he steps up his rehabilitation. While Iraola stressed that Ekitike remains some way from a return, he revealed that the striker could potentially feature towards the end of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign.
“I think it is difficult with these long-term injuries. I think he is still far [away],” Iraola said.
“We had a meeting with the medical to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the (Champions League) group stages, but it is still very early to say.
“It’s very early because it’s a long-term injury, but if we decided to put him there (in the Champions League squad), it is because there is a hope and a realistic chance that he could help us in January, yes.”
Liverpool will conclude their Champions League league phase with an away trip to Inter Milan on January 19 before hosting Lens at Anfield on January 27.
