Liverpool injury news and potential return dates, with updates on forwards Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo, along with several other stars in Andoni Iraola's team
Bradley Barcola became an injury concern during Liverpool's clash with Atletico Madrid
Bradley Barcola became an injury concern during Liverpool's clash with Atletico Madrid(Image: (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))
Liverpool's season may have finally kicked off, as Andoni Iraola landed his second win of the season in the space of a few days, with the Reds looking to push on and impress this campaign.
After picking up a first triumph away at Ipswich last Friday, there were home comforts for the Merseyside outfit back at Anfield, as the team hosted Atletico Madrid in the opening game of the Champions League.
Despite going behind early to a Marcos Llorente goal, there were finishes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to give Liverpool the lead and an eventual three points on the board for the overall league table.
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That was from a game that had several key stars missing for Liverpool, as well as new concerns over potential absences for the coming week. So, with that said, here's a look at the latest Liverpool injury news and potential return dates.
Bradley Barcola
Summer signing Bradley Barcola made his full debut for Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, as he featured from the start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The winger couldn't last the full game, however, as he was forced off after going to ground and requiring medical attention. Fortunately, it seems as though it isn't a serious injury.
Bradley Barcola picked up an injury on Wednesday
Bradley Barcola picked up an injury on Wednesday(Image: Getty)
"It was just cramps," Iraola told TNT Sports after the game. "Especially with Bradley. We are rushing him, but we decided today to ask him to give the most you have, and let's see how you recover because we play again in three days."
Potential return date: Fulham (H) — September 12
Cody Gakpo
After an impressive start to the season, Cody Gakpo was a surprise absentee from training ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash, before missing the match in its entirety. Iraola revealed that it was a minor precaution for the forward when he told TNT Sports: "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."
Potential return date: Fulham (H) — September 12
Joe Gomez
After facing difficulties in backline depth, Joe Gomez is finally back in full team training, as he ramps up his recovery from a muscular problem he suffered in preseason. While the star could be eased back into action, he may be fit enough to feature in some capacity in the next match, most likely on the bench.
Potential return date: Fulham (H) — September 12
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa has missed all of the season's action so far, as the winger has suffered from a lower back injury that was picked up during preseason. The winger is expected to return to training during the international break, meaning he will miss the next three matches, but could be back in contention after.
Potential return date: Manchester City (H) — October 11
Giovanni Leoni
There is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for Giovanni Leoni, who is expected to be back in full training over the international break, following a year out through a serious knee injury. It is unlikely that the defender is thrown straight back into action, considering the length of his absence, but he could make an appearance in the squad when the team is back in October.
Potential return date: Manchester City (H) — October 11
Hugo Ekitike
There is a slightly longer wait for Hugo Ekitike to get back on the pitch, with the striker still recovering from an Achilles injury that he picked up at the back end of last season. The forward is making progress and was recently seen playing with a soccer ball, but it will take a while for him to condition his body back to full fitness.
Potential return date: November 2026
Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley is also expected to miss a few more months of action after the right-back required surgery earlier this year for a serious knee injury. There is some hope that the star will be back in the coming months, before the turn of the New Year.
Potential return date: November 2026