Liverpool boss Iraola gives Gakpo and Barcola updates – and offers hope of Ekitike January return | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola is hopeful Bradley Barcola will be available for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday but says Cody Gakpo remains a doubt.

Barcola was forced off during the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid in midweek, though Iraola confirmed the winger was suffering only from cramp.

“Barcola was just cramps,” the Liverpool boss said. “Obviously he finished tight in the game and then we have to evaluate how things are today – but there’s no injury.

“He should be available if everything goes normal.”

Gakpo missed the Atletico victory and had still not returned to training on Thursday, with Liverpool planning to assess him in their final session before facing Fulham at Anfield.

“With Cody we will see,” Iraola said. “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.”

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Iraola also provided an update on long-term absentee Hugo Ekitike, who remains some way from a return but could potentially be available by January.

“There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages,” Iraola added.

“It’s still very early because it’s a long-term injury and a big part of the rehab is still to meet.

“But if we decide to put him there it is because there is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January.”

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