Bradley Barcola was forced off during his first start for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid, with the new signing raising concerns after going down and rubbing his calf
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola was forced off during the second half of Liverpool's win over Atletico Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has eased injury worries after Bradley Barcola was forced off during Liverpool’s win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The Reds opened their European account this season with a 2-1 victory at Anfield, having fought back from yet another Marcos Llorente goal during the first half. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister ensured they made the perfect start to the league phase, and gave Iraola his first Champions League win as a head coach.
The occasion saw Barcola make his first start for the club, having made his debut just a few days earlier after completing his $167 million switch from Paris Saint-Germain last week.
The French international was one of two changes made by Iraola, with Cody Gakpo missing out after picking up a knock during the win at Ipswich on Friday.
Barcola though raised more concerns when he went down during the second half, and appeared to be suffering some discomfort in his calf. He was subsequently substituted, with Liverpool going on to suffer another injury worry later on in the game when left-back Milos Kerkez had to go off.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game though, Iraola eased worries over the pair.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Andoni Iraola manager / head coach of Liverpool celebrates at full time with Bradley Barcola of Liverpool following the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 9, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has eased injury worries over Bradley Barcola(Image: Getty Images)
Asked whether Barcola and Kerkez had suffered injuries, Iraola responded: "No, just cramps, especially with Bradley.
"We are kind of rushing him a little bit. We wanted him there, but at the end we decided to say give us what you have then that's the most he has. Let's see how they recover for the next one."
Iraola also confirmed before the game that he expects Gakpo to make a swift return, with the possibility that he could be back in action for Saturday’s game against Fulham.
Content Image
Content Image
That’s now back-to-back wins for Iraola, who remains unbeaten in charge of Liverpool, and the Spaniard certainly enjoyed his first taste of Anfield on a European night.
"I was enjoying it,” he said. “They're (Atletico) a very good team. Technically, in the middle, lovely players. It is not easy to press those players as they have quality.
"They have been playing together forever. We find another comeback after Forest, after Newcastle. We still have this thing to improve in the beginning of the games, but I am happy as we have shown some character.
"This is the Champions League, you don't have easy games."