Liverpool receive Barcola boost as Iraola confirms muscle issue is not serious

Liverpool have been given a boost before their Premier League meeting with Fulham after Andoni Iraola confirmed that Bradley Barcola did not suffer a serious injury against Atletico Madrid.

The France forward was substituted after about an hour of Wednesday’s Champions League match because of muscle discomfort. However, Iraola said Barcola had suffered only cramp and was expected to be available for the weekend fixture, provided his final assessment went well.

“Barcola only suffered from muscle cramps,” Iraola said at his news conference on Friday. “We need to assess the situation today, but there is no injury. He should be ready to play if everything goes well.”

Barcola’s Champions League debut for Liverpool had threatened to become a difficult night when he was forced off against Atletico Madrid. The player joined Liverpool during the summer in a deal worth more than 140 million euros, making his early exit a concern before the extent of the problem was established.

Iraola also provided an update on the recovery of France forward Hugo Ekitike, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a torn right Achilles tendon.

Ekitike sustained the injury in April during Paris Saint-Germain’s second-leg Champions League quarter-final match. Iraola said the player could return in January, but stressed that it was still too soon to set a specific date for his comeback.

The Liverpool manager said Ekitike remained in the middle of his rehabilitation programme. His inclusion in Liverpool’s European squad would indicate that there was a possibility of using him during the later stages of the group stage.

Liverpool will complete their Champions League league phase away to Inter Milan on 19 January. They will then host Lens in their final fixture on 27 January.