Andoni Iraola delivered mixed news on the injury front ahead of Liverpool’s league meeting with Fulham, while a summer transfer target has discussed his failed move.
Cody Gakpo still in doubt but Barcola expected vs. Fulham
Nothing has changed regarding Liverpool’s long-term absentees, and it remains to be seen if Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola will be declared fit for Saturday’s match.
The latter is anticipated to be in the squad, at the very least, with only doubts over his ability to start after suffering from cramp against Atletico.
“Obviously he finished tight in the game, and then we have to evaluate with how are things today – but there’s no injury. He should be available if everything goes normal,” Iraola said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo in the line-up before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo in the line-up before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As for Gakpo, he missed training on Thursday and had to prove his fitness in Friday’s session for a place in the squad after adductor issues suffered at Ipswich.
“He didn’t train yesterday (Thursday),” Iraola told reporters. “Today (Friday), we will try with him and let’s see if he’s ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one.”
The good news is Liverpool are unlikely to be without both, small mercies!
LFC News: Hugo Ekitike return & Lamine Camara to ‘earn’ transfer
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by Amanda McMaster/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by Amanda McMaster/Propaganda)
• There is belief from Iraola that Hugo Ekitike has a “realistic chance” to return for Liverpool’s Champions League fixtures in January, though there are no guarantees
• Iraola spoke brilliantly on Lewis Koumas in his pre-match press conference, explaining why he knew he wanted him to stay this season. Music to our ears, the boss gets it
• Liverpool midfield target Lamine Camara insists he has “turned the page” on a failed move to Chelsea, but he’s ready to earn a future transfer – one to watch this season
• Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has been honoured with permanent memorials at Melwood and Anfield ahead of the first anniversary of his passing
Liverpool vs. Fulham Preview
Watch directly on YouTube: Andoni Iraola Press Conference
MATCH PREVIEW:Team news, form, how to watch & more
PREDICTED LINEUP:Will Barcola be fit to start, or will we get a new wing partnership?
This Is Anfield’s New App!
To mark 25 years of covering Liverpool FC, we’ve rebuilt the highly popular This Is Anfield App!
You’ll find a completely new user interface that more closely resembles the fresh new design here on the This Is Anfield website.
There’s also a faster notification system, built-in live blogs and comments, an improved lineup selector, a new player ratings system, and upgraded menus.
And if you’re like me and prefer dark mode, that is also available!
Existing users can simply visit the App Store/Google Play to update to the latest version now.
New and improved
Download This Is Anfield’s new app here!
Football News: Arteta’s latest tactic & new contracts at Chelsea and Newcastle
• In a story that won’t surprise you, Mikel Arteta says he purposefully disrupted his side’s pre-season schedule to ‘prepare’ them for the season. He’s one of one, Mikel…
• Lewis Hall has signed a new three-year deal with Newcastle until 2031, and the Athletic says there is no release clause. Still have to wonder how long he will stay at St James’ Park
• Moises Caicedo remains sidelined for Chelsea ahead of their match vs. Hull, while Pedro Neto – who was tentatively linked to LFC in the summer – has signed a new contract until 2032 (CFC)
• Michail Antonio has signed for Watford on a free transfer, the 36-year-old last played a competitive game in December 2024! He was released by West Ham in 2025 (WFC)
Liverpool FC: On this day
Gordon Hodgson, Liverpool. 1930s
Gordon Hodgson, Liverpool. 1930s
On this day in 1926, one of the club’s greatest goalscorers, Gordon Hodgson, scored the first of his seventeen hat-tricks for the club.
He scored the first, fourth and fifth goal in Liverpool’s 5-1 First Division win over Sheffield United, with Dick Forshaw also netting a brace for the Reds.
He scored a hat-trick 16 more times for the club, a record that still stands to this day. Ian Rush got the closest, ending his Liverpool career with 16.
Hodgson scored 241 goals across 377 appearances, from 1925 to 1935.
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)