Barcola Expected to Face Fulham, Gakpo Doubtful for Liverpool

Barcola is expected to be available for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Fulham this weekend.

The France international completed his full debut for Liverpool in Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, but he was substituted in the 60th minute, which initially raised concerns about a possible injury.

However, Iraola later eased those concerns, insisting that the player, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million this summer, was only suffering from cramp.

“No, it was just cramp. Just cramp, no injury,” the Liverpool manager said at the post-match press conference.

“For Barcola, the key is to gradually build up his fitness. To be honest, we do not really know—or perhaps until now we did not know—how long he can play because he did not play a single minute in Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-season.”

“He played 30 minutes a few days ago, and today we also had some doubts about how much time he could give us. Now we probably know.”

Ahead of the match against Fulham, Iraola is expected to provide an update on Barcola’s condition, but the Spanish coach’s options on the wings have become more complicated because Gakpo is also a doubt.

The Dutch player has contributed either a goal or an assist in every Premier League match so far this season. He missed the win over Atletico Madrid due to an adductor problem, and there is no guarantee he will recover in time for the away trip to Fulham.

If Gakpo fails to recover, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz will be on standby, while Frimpong can also operate as a right winger.

Kerkez should be able to continue at left-back, although he also suffered cramp late in the Champions League match, meaning Iraola could name an unchanged back line for a third consecutive game.

Alisson has been cleared to play, despite being fined by the FA for inappropriate behavior after Liverpool’s draw with Nottingham Forest.

Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are expected to continue in midfield, while there could be rotation in next week’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. Isak will lead the attack again as he looks to add to his current tally of three Premier League goals.

Predicted Liverpool lineup: Alisson; Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Conor Bradley, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.