Liverpool receive Barcola and Kerkez fitness boost after Atletico victory

Andoni Iraola says Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez suffered cramp rather than injuries during Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.

Barcola was making his first start for Liverpool in the competition and was substituted shortly after the hour mark. The France international had gone close twice before leaving the pitch.

“No, it is cramp. It is just cramp, there is no injury,” said Iraola.

The Liverpool boss explained that Barcola’s playing time is still being managed after the 23-year-old missed pre-season with Paris Saint-Germain.

“With Bradley, it’s about building his physical condition,” Iraola said. “We didn’t really know until now how much he can play because he hasn’t had any minutes in pre-season for PSG.

“He played 30 the other day and today we had some question marks about how many minutes he can give us. Probably now we know.”

Iraola was encouraged by Barcola’s attacking display, despite the forward failing to score.

“I’m very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the ‘keeper,” he said. “He hasn’t scored, but I want him there.

“There is where he has to make the difference, arriving to those spots, those positions, and I’m very happy.”

Liverpool were without Cody Gakpo for the victory after the Netherlands international missed training on Tuesday.

Gakpo does not have a serious injury, but Iraola is unsure whether he will be fit for Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham.

“He doesn’t have a proper injury, but he finished with niggles in both of the adductors the other day,” Iraola said.

“We expected to have him for today, [but] it hasn’t been possible. It’s not a big thing, but the problem is we play here in two days and a half.”

Iraola will monitor Gakpo during the recovery period before making a decision on his availability.

“I hope so, but I don’t know,” he said. “Let’s see how Bradley has finished, how Cody is and if he can give us some minutes.”

Kerkez was also replaced late in the match, with Kostas Tsimikas coming on in the 88th minute after the full-back received treatment.

However, Iraola confirmed Kerkez was taken off because of cramp, rather than an injury.

“Milos and Bradley were just cramping and were just tired,” he said.

The manager said he was pleased that both players had continued until they could no longer contribute.

“I always want to do subs because of this, because you’ve given everything, you don’t have any more, perfect,” Iraola said.

“We do the subs, not because you haven’t run and I have to sub you. I prefer when you’ve done everything you can and then we sub you because you cannot run anymore.”

Liverpool now face a short recovery period before Fulham visit Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.