Bradley Barcola had cramp and should be available to face Fulham | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola moved to calm fears over Bradley Barcola after the forward limped off during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

He was replaced on the hour in his first Liverpool appearance in the competition after a routine acceleration. According to L'Équipe, Iraola said it was only cramp, there was no injury, and, subject to assessment in training today, he should be available to face Fulham on Saturday.

The former Parisian was the club’s biggest signing of the window, costing more than €140 million, and his early exit proved a false alarm.

Iraola also updated on Hugo Ekitike, who ruptured his right Achilles on 14 April during the 0-2 quarter-final second leg against Paris-SG. He said a January return is possible, but he thinks the striker is still far away and much rehabilitation remains. He added there are good chances Ekitike could help in the final two group matches, though it is still too early to say, and any registration would only reflect that hope.

The Reds conclude the group phase away to Inter Milan on 19 January, matchday 7, before hosting Lens on 27 January, matchday 8.

Source: L'Équipe

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