Liverpool latest sees the latest on Hugo Ekitike's injury and warning issued to Bradley Barcola
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Hugo Ekitike #22 of Liverpool FC waves to the fans after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has been out with injury since April(Image: Michael Miller/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Liverpool face Fulham at Anfield on Saturday afternoon in a positive run of form. Back-to-back wins over Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League have lifted the mood around the club, coming on the back of frustrating 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Andoni Iraola has wasted little time in calling upon his summer signings, with Bradley Barcola already making two appearances following his £123million arrival from PSG in late August.
The Reds have found their scoring touch this season, yet the Basque manager has still to unleash his full attacking arsenal, with Hugo Ekitike's Achilles injury keeping the French striker on the sidelines.
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Today's developments see the Liverpool manager disclose a timeline for the French striker's comeback. Meanwhile, Barcola has received caution regarding the element of his performance that requires improvement.
Ekitike timeframe
Iraola has confirmed that Ekitike remains some distance from making his comeback following a serious injury sustained in April. This week, footage of the French international working with a ball as part of his recovery programme generated optimism that he might be nearing a return.
The striker was also named in Liverpool's Champions League squad for this campaign despite his ongoing injury. Prior to the fixture against the Cottagers, Iraola offered an update.
Hugo Ekitike winces in pain
Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon(Image: Xavier Laine, Getty Images)
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He said: "I think it is difficult with these long-term injuries. I think he is still far [away]. We had a meeting with the medical to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the (Champions League) group stages, but it is still very early to say.
"It's very early because it's a long-term injury, but if we decided to put him there (in the Champions League squad) it is because there is a hope and a realistic chance that he could help us in January, yes."
Liverpool round off their Champions League league phase with an away fixture at Inter Milan on January 19, followed by a home clash against Lens on January 27.
Barcola warning
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes Barcola is a thrilling player to watch, but insists he must sharpen his finishing in front of goal. The French international squandered two gilt-edged opportunities against Atleti on Wednesday.
In the opening half, he was denied by Jan Oblak in a one-on-one situation. He then compounded his frustration in the second period, wasting another one-on-one by firing wide of the post.
Barcola was subsequently substituted at the hour mark due to a calf cramp. Shearer, speaking via Betfair, said: "Liverpool have got (Cody) Gakpo, they've got Barcola, they've got (Rio) Ngumoha, they've got (Victor) Munoz as well.
Bradley Barcola limped off against Atleti
Bradley Barcola limped off against Atleti(Image: Getty)
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"So, they've got those players to sort of play both sides, but it was slightly concerning that Barcola went off on Wednesday feeling his calf.
"I mean it looked a little bit more than cramp. But there's no doubt, I mean he's a top player, Bradley Barcola. The one thing he has to improve on is his goal output.
"He had a chance or two on Wednesday night that he should have scored and those stats in terms of goals need to improve. But he's a fantastic player and he'll get bums off seats and he'll excite people."
While Barcola hobbled off against Diego Simeone's outfit, Iraola confirmed on Friday that the winger remains in the frame to feature against Fulham.