Liverpool's Key Player Doubtful Against Atletico Madrid? Barcola Could Start, Wirtz Looks to Respond

On September 9 Beijing time, according to multiple media reports, Liverpool's Netherlands international Cody Gakpo "missed training as a precautionary measure," and his availability for the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid is in doubt.

This is clearly not good news for Liverpool. Since the start of the new season, Gakpo has been the team's best-performing key player. After moves to Tottenham and Manchester City did not materialize, he chose to make a "great decision to stay," and since the beginning of the season he has recorded one goal and three assists in three matches, making him the only Liverpool player directly involved in a goal in every game.

In the opening round's 2-2 draw with Newcastle, Gakpo scored the team's first goal of the new season; in the second match, a 2-2 draw with Forest, Gakpo assisted Isak for his first goal; in the third round's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, Gakpo provided two assists in the 6th and 9th minutes for Isak's brace.

His possible absence would bring significant uncertainty to Liverpool's European campaign, although it is not entirely bad news. On one hand, the €125 million Barcola could start for Liverpool in the opening Champions League match, a possibility that was confirmed by head coach Iraola at the press conference.

On the other hand, young player Ngumoha is waiting for his opportunity. It was in Liverpool's previous match against Atletico Madrid that he set the club's youngest appearance record in European competition history at the age of 17 years and 19 days.

Meanwhile, Munoz is also waiting for his Liverpool Champions League debut. Wirtz, who faced criticism in the previous Premier League match, found an opportunity to prove himself in the Champions League last season.

Liverpool predicted starting lineup:

Alisson / Araujo, Jaquez, Van Dijk, Kerkez / Szoboszlai, Mac Allister / Munoz, Wirtz, Barcola / Isak