Cody Gakpo was missing from Liverpool's squad against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, having missed training before the game with Andoni Iraola confirming an injury to the forward
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool reacts after sustaining an injury during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC
Cody Gakpo is missing for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid(Image: (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))
Andoni Iraola has confirmed Cody Gakpo has picked up an injury which has led to him missing Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid - but he has eased any worries over the severity of the problem.
Gakpo was not included in the Reds’ matchday squad as it kicked off its European campaign at Anfield on Wednesday, having also missed training the previous day.
The forward is a big miss for Liverpool, having started the season in superb form after being involved in four of six of his side’s goals so far, including picking up two assists in Friday’s 2-0 win over Ipswich.
Iraola though has revealed Gakpo picked up an injury at Portman Road which, although the Liverpool boss is not too concerned about, didn’t want to risk.
“Cody finished the game the other day against Ipswich with some adductor issues, both sides, nothing specific, not a proper injury, but we didn’t want to risk him,” Iraola told TNT Sports.
“I think it makes sense that he takes a rest. I hope he can recover, and even for the weekend, he has a chance to be there.”
Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
In Gakpo’s place, Bradley Barcola was handed a first start following his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain, which was only completed just over a week ago.
Iraola conceded the 24-year-old is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes, but he is confident after seeing him make his debut at the weekend.
“I think it’s true that he hasn’t had the pre-season minutes, but I like what I saw from him the other day.
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“I think he’s been training well, so I think it was 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, and I think especially outside with Rio and Bradley, we can have these difference-makers.”
Liverpool.com says: It's a blow to be without Gakpo, especially considering the form he's shown so far this season. Thankfully, it doesn't sound like it's anything too serious.
And when one door closes, another opens, and it's Barcola's big chance. Now, we'll hopefully get to see exactly what he'll bring to this side, and the quality he possesses.