Key Takeaways:
- Andoni Iraola confirmed that Bradley Barcola experienced only cramps and should be available for Liverpool’s clash with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday afternoon
- Liverpool have remained unbeaten under Iraola, securing draws with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, followed by victories over Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid
- Alexander Isak’s recent contributions include a goal against Forest, a brace versus Ipswich, and an assist against Atletico, with Iraola highlighting his continuing progress
Injury Updates and Squad News
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola provided a comprehensive fitness update ahead of the home encounter with Fulham. Bradley Barcola, who went down with calf cramps during the fixture against Atletico Madrid, is expected to recover in time for Saturday if his progress continues as hoped. Iraola stated, “We still need to train this afternoon but Barcola was just cramps. We have to evaluate but there’s no injury he should be available if everything goes normal.”
🚨 Bradley Barcola should be available to face Fulham after suffering "just cramp", Andoni Iraola says. pic.twitter.com/YavGa5Xzmm
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) September 11, 2026
Regarding Cody Gakpo’s involvement, Iraola said, “Cody we will see. Today we will try with him and let’s see if he’s ready for tomorrow or we have to wait until the next one.” Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined due to a prolonged injury, with possible involvement restricted to the concluding fixtures of the European group stage, subject to ongoing assessment. Iraola commented, “It’s still far. We had a meeting with all the medical department to analyse and complete the list of European games and there’s a chance he could play in the last two games of the opening stage but it’s too early to say. We have put him there as there’s a hope and a realistic chance he could play.”
Managerial Connections and Analysis of Fulham
Attention turned to the opposition and the personal connection between Iraola and Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Iraola reflected on their past rivalry in vying for a position in the Spanish national team: “We played very few times together in the national team. We were fighting more or less for position but I think he was more successful than me in that case! We haven’t had too much of a relationship since then. We’ve had games when we’ve played against each other. But this is the Premier League – once the game starts you focus on yourself.”
Assessing Fulham, Iraola observed, “We have played just three Premier League games and it’s too early. Fulham is a great example. They have played well in their three games but lost by one goal. If you didn’t see their points you’d have thought they’d have four or five. They have looked comfortable on the ball and have technically lovely players and it’s difficult to press well against them. But they have also conceded goals. I expect for sure they’ll have been working on that. We know they haven’t changed the squad a lot, the core of the team is the same. It’s going to be a difficult game.”
Isak’s Impact Acknowledged
Ahead of facing Fulham, Iraola paid tribute to striker Alexander Isak’s recent displays. Isak has scored against Forest, added two goals in the match with Ipswich, and delivered an assist against Atletico Madrid. Iraola remarked, “We hope so. He is going well. I am happy with the improvements he is doing game to game. With the physical side he is in a very good place.
“Technically, we know he’s very good, understanding better what we need from a number nine position. He has to help us not just in the goals but in a lot of things.”
