Bradley Barcola was substituted in the 59th minute after suffering a calf injury in the Reds’ 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, cutting short a bright and encouraging Champions League debut for Liverpool.
The Frenchman went down off the ball, which is never a good sign. He did, however, walk off the pitch on his own. Liverpool will release more information on the issue that caused the 23-year-old to leave the pitch after just shy of an hour.
Andoni Iraola spoke to the press after the clash, telling reporters that it was just cramp.
? BREAKING: Barcola has got cramp, confirmed Andoni Iraola.
— AS1 (@TransferSector) September 9, 2026
Barcola was very good against Atletico despite the injury blow
Barcola’s second game for Liverpool did end with an injury, but it’s already abundantly clear why PSG wanted £123m for him.
His cameo against Ipswich Town was good, but it did only last 27 minutes, although the signs were there.
59 minutes against Atletico Madrid showed us a lot more.
Barcola completed 92% of his 13 passes (which isn’t enough, but Liverpool need to find him more often), making one key pass, although he didn’t complete his only attempt at a cross.
However, he’s just so fast. The Frenchman made three surging runs through the centre of the pitch, for a total of 89m.
His defensive performance was decent too, although he is often so far forward that by the time he is in a position to win the ball back, Atletico Madrid were settled into possession. However, his pace allows him to trigger the press very nicely.
Hopefully, his injury won’t see him ruled out for too long, but it’s already critical for him to start every game.
Cody Gakpo was ruled out of the Atleti clash as well
Liverpool reported via their website that the Dutchman has suffered an adductor injury, while Andoni Iraola confirmed the issue before kick-off.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of kick-off, head coach Iraola said: “Cody finished the game the other day against Ipswich with some adductor issues. Both sides. Nothing specific.
“[It is] not a proper injury. But we didn’t want to risk him, and I think it makes sense he can rest and hope we can recover him.
“If it’s not for the weekend, it’s for the next one. But I think even for the weekend he has a chance.”