Andoni Iraola eases Bradley Barcola fears but Cody Gakpo remains Fulham doubt

Liverpool have received encouraging news on Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez, with Andoni Iraola confirming neither player suffered an injury during the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

Barcola was forced off after an hour on his first Liverpool start following his £123million summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, prompting concerns ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Fulham.

Iraola, however, confirmed the French winger was simply suffering from cramp as Liverpool continue carefully building his fitness after a disrupted summer.

Barcola had not played any pre-season minutes for PSG before completing his move to Anfield and was therefore never expected to immediately handle a full match.

After playing 30 minutes in his previous appearance, the Atletico game gave Liverpool a clearer indication of his current physical limits.

"It is just cramp, there is no injury," Iraola confirmed.

The Liverpool manager was also encouraged by Barcola's attacking contribution despite him failing to score.

The winger twice found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, something Iraola views as a promising sign of what the 23-year-old can offer once fully fit.

"There is where he has to make the difference, arriving to those spots, those positions," Iraola explained.

Milos Kerkez also required treatment late in the match, but Iraola confirmed his issue was fatigue rather than an injury.

The Spaniard was actually pleased to see players requiring substitutions after exhausting themselves during Liverpool's comeback victory.

For Iraola, that represents the intensity he wants from his team, particularly during a demanding period with little recovery time between fixtures.

Liverpool return to action against Fulham only two-and-a-half days after their European assignment.

The greater concern surrounds Cody Gakpo, who missed the Atletico victory after experiencing discomfort in both adductors.

Liverpool had initially expected the Dutchman to be available in midweek, but his condition did not improve sufficiently.

Iraola stressed that Gakpo does not have a significant injury, although the quick turnaround makes his involvement against Fulham uncertain.

"I hope we can have Cody with us, but I cannot guarantee it," he said.

That leaves Liverpool assessing Gakpo over the next two days, while Barcola and Kerkez appear to have avoided anything more serious.

Liverpool's medical staff will monitor Barcola and Kerkez during the short recovery period, but Iraola's comments suggest both have avoided significant problems.

Gakpo's availability is less certain. With Fulham visiting Anfield on Saturday, Liverpool will need to decide whether the forward can safely contribute or whether Victor Munoz and Rio should again provide additional attacking options.