Gakpo doubtful for Liverpool vs Fulham as Barcola set for full Premier League debut

Cody Gakpo is uncertain to face Fulham at the weekend after the Liverpool forward sat out Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid with adductor discomfort, manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed. Bradley Barcola, who replaced Gakpo in the starting line-up and caught the eye before being withdrawn late on with cramp, is expected to be available.

Gakpo, 27, first felt the problem on both sides of his adductor following Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League win at Ipswich last Friday, where he provided all three assists for Alexander Isak’s goals. The Netherlands international had been in outstanding early-season form and was considered close to leaving the club during the summer transfer window.

Barcola’s midweek outing against Atletico marked his first start for Liverpool since his big-money arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger delivered a bright performance before cramp cut his evening short, and Iraola’s assessment suggests the 22-year-old is on course to make his full Premier League debut against Fulham on Saturday.

The fitness of Gakpo will be monitored closely ahead of the weekend fixture, with Liverpool keen to maintain momentum in the early stages of the season.