Andoni Iraola has issued an injury update on Bradley Barcola as Liverpool secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League fixture at Anfield.
Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead before Dominik Szoboszlai equalised following Ronald Araujo’s work inside the box. Alexis Mac Allister then completed the turnaround with a second-half strike.
The result continued Andoni Iraola’s encouraging start after recently replacing Arne Slot as Liverpool manager. However, Bradley Barcola provided an injury concern during his first start for the club.
Liverpool invested heavily during the summer as Iraola reshaped his squad. Barcola became the headline arrival after completing a move from Paris Saint-Germain worth up to £123 million.
Jeremy Jacquet also arrived from Rennes for £60 million, while Victor Munoz joined from Osasuna. Araujo strengthened the squad further by arriving on loan from Barcelona.
Barcola started against Atletico but left the pitch around the hour mark while holding his left calf. His withdrawal immediately raised concerns over a possible injury.
Iraola confirmed after the match that Barcola had suffered cramp rather than an injury. Liverpool’s official website also confirmed the positive fitness update following the match. Iraola said:
“”No, it is cramp. It is just cramp, there is no injury.”
Barcola’s substitution therefore resulted from cramp rather than a muscular problem. The France international is still building his physical condition after arriving from PSG without playing any pre-season minutes.
He had managed only 30 minutes for Liverpool before making his first start against Atletico. Iraola explained that Liverpool had been uncertain about how many minutes Barcola could manage at Anfield.
His latest appearance has now given the coaching staff a clearer indication of his current fitness levels.
The winger also created two clear opportunities against Atletico but could not convert either chance.
Liverpool will now continue working on Barcola’s match fitness following his first start.
The confirmation that Barcola avoided an injury is an encouraging update as the Reds prepare to face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.
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