Andoni Iraola has confirmed Cody Gakpo misses Liverpool’s clash with Atletico Madrid due to injury, but is hopeful the winger can be fit to return vs. Fulham.
Gakpo is one of two players to drop out of Iraola’s starting lineup for the Champions League opener, having missed training on Tuesday.
The Dutchman makes way along with Victor Munoz as Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha come into the side, with Gakpo left out entirely.
Speaking to Steven Gerrard as part of TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage, Iraola described Gakpo’s issue as minor.
“Cody finished the game the other day with some adductor issues. Both sides, nothing specific, not a proper injury,” the head coach explained.
“But we didn’t want to risk him, I think it makes sense.
“He gets rest, I hope we can recover him if not for the weekend, the next one. But I think even for the weekend he has a chance to be there, yes.”
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Barcola makes his full Liverpool debut just over a week after completing his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain, with his cameo against Ipswich on Saturday his first appearance of any kind since the World Cup.
But Iraola is confident the Frenchman is ready to start, even if he is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes.
“It’s true that he hasn’t had the pre-season minutes, but I liked what I saw from him the other day,” he continued.
“[He played] 30 minutes, I think he’s been training well, so I think it’s a good game to put him in straight away.
“I don’t think he can probably finish the game, we’ll see how he does, but we need some freshness.
“Especially outside with Rio and Bradley, I think we can find these difference-makers.”
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: A general view before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Barcola
Bradley Barcola during the Premier League match at Portman Road, Ipswich. September 4, 2026. (Alamy Image)
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: The official matchday programme seen before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)