Iraola: Barcola and Kerkez had cramp, Gakpo doubt for Fulham

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola delivered a largely positive injury update after Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, though Cody Gakpo's availability for Saturday's visit of Fulham remains uncertain.

Bradley Barcola, making his first Liverpool start, was substituted on the hour mark but Iraola played down any concern. "No, it is cramp. It is just cramp, there is no injury," the manager said in his post-match press conference.

Iraola noted that Barcola's fitness is still being managed after the France forward had no pre-season minutes at PSG. "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," Iraola said. "He played 30 the other day [and] today we had some question marks. I'm very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the 'keeper."

Gakpo had already missed the Atletico tie after sitting out Tuesday's training session with adductor niggles in both legs. Iraola confirmed the issue is not serious but cannot guarantee the Dutchman will recover in time. "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," he said.

Left-back Milos Kerkez was also substituted late on, replaced by Kostas Tsimikas on 88 minutes after receiving treatment. Iraola confirmed cramp was again the cause. "Milos and Bradley were just cramping [and] were just tired," he stated.

Liverpool face Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, two and a half days after the midweek European fixture.