Liverpool handed Hugo Ekitike boost as Andoni Iraola hints at return timeline

Liverpool could welcome Hugo Ekitike back into action before the end of the Champions League league phase, with Andoni Iraola providing an encouraging update on the striker’s recovery from a serious Achilles injury.

Ekitike has not played since rupturing his Achilles tendon in April, leaving Alexander Isak as Liverpool’s only senior recognised centre-forward.

The Frenchman remains some way from an immediate comeback, but Iraola has now suggested he could potentially return in time to feature in Liverpool’s final two Champions League league-phase fixtures.

Ekitike made an impressive start to his Liverpool career before suffering his devastating injury.

The striker registered 17 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as an important part of Liverpool’s attack.

His absence has subsequently placed greater responsibility on Isak, particularly following the Swede's return to goalscoring form.

Iraola has now offered Liverpool supporters some encouragement over Ekitike's rehabilitation.

"There is a chance he could help us with the last two games of the [Champions League] group stage, but it is still very early to say," Iraola said.

While the Liverpool manager remains cautious, his comments raise the possibility of Ekitike returning before the end of the year.

Ekitike's absence has left Isak as Iraola's main senior option through the middle.

The £125million striker delivered in Liverpool's recent Premier League trip to Ipswich Town, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory at Portman Road.

That result was Liverpool's first league victory under Iraola and provided another indication that Isak is beginning to find his rhythm.

Getting Ekitike back would nevertheless provide Iraola with significantly greater attacking flexibility.

The pair would offer different options individually, while Ekitike's return could eventually allow Liverpool to experiment with using both forwards in the same attacking system.

There was also positive news regarding Bradley Barcola ahead of Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Fulham.

The £123m summer signing made his Liverpool debut from the bench against Ipswich before being handed his first start in the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

Barcola was withdrawn after around an hour during the 2-1 comeback win at Anfield, prompting concerns that Liverpool had suffered another attacking injury.

Iraola has confirmed, however, that the France international was simply suffering from cramp.

"Barcola was just cramp," Iraola explained.

"We have to evaluate how he is today, but there is no injury. I think he should be available if everything goes normal."

That leaves Barcola with a strong chance of being involved against Fulham.

The situation surrounding Cody Gakpo is less certain.

Gakpo missed the Atletico Madrid victory because of an adductor problem and remains a doubt for Liverpool's next Premier League fixture.

"Cody, we will see," Iraola said.

"We will try today and see if he is ready for tomorrow or if we need to wait until the next one."

Liverpool therefore face a late decision over Gakpo, although Barcola's expected availability should provide Iraola with another option in the wide attacking positions.

Liverpool will assess Barcola and Gakpo before facing Fulham, with Iraola hoping to maintain momentum after victories over Ipswich and Atletico Madrid.

The longer-term focus will be Ekitike. Liverpool will not want to rush the French striker following such a serious injury, but the possibility of having him available for the closing stages of the Champions League league phase would represent a significant boost to Iraola's attacking options.