Andoni Iraola reveals Bradley Barcola injury latest in three-man Liverpool update

Andoni Iraola also provides updates on Milos Kerkez and Cody Gakpo after Atletico Madrid win

Andoni Iraola has delivered an injury update on Bradley Barcola, after the big money summer signing was forced off on his full Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid.

Barcola made his first start for Liverpool following his £123million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, as Iraola made two changes to the side that started the Premier League win over Ipswich.

However, the Frenchman’s involvement lasted all of an hour as his team-mates gathered around him as he received treatment from the medical staff before getting back to his feet and making way for Victor Munoz.

With Liverpool back in action at home to Fulham at the weekend, there were fears over Barcola’s fitness for the next game but Iraola has allayed any injury fears.

“No, it is cramp. It is just cramp, there is no injury,” the Spaniard said in the post-match press conference after the Reds had come from behind to start their Champions League campaign with a win.

“With Bradley, it's about building his physical condition. We don't really know - or we didn't know until now, probably - 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, how many minutes he can give us and probably now we know.

“I'm very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the 'keeper. 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 because in - I don't know how many minutes he's played - two times against the 'keeper is a good sign with Bradley.”

Injury fears allayed: Bradley Barcola

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Milos Kerkez was also forced off late following treatment, though his issue is not thought to be serious either.

"Milos and Bradley were just cramping [and] were just tired," Iraola added. "I think I always want to do subs because of this, because you've given everything, you don't have any more, perfect.

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

Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, missed the game with an adductor issue and is now doubtful for the visit of Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

"I don't know [if he will be back for Fulham]. I hope so, but I don't know. He doesn't have a proper injury, but he finished with niggles in both of the adductors the other day,” Iraola revealed.

We don't really know - or we didn't know until now, probably - how much he can play because he hasn't had any minutes in pre-season for PSG

Andoni Iraola on Bradley Barcola

"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 [again] in two days and a half.

"I think now is a moment of recovery in these two days. Let's see how Bradley has finished, how Cody is [and] if he can give us some minutes. If not, Rio, Victor, I think today everyone has done a big effort.

"We need to recover, we need to regroup and think because in two days and a half we play again here [against] Fulham, it's a very important game again for us. So, I hope we can have Cody with us, but I cannot guarantee it."