KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool’s long-term injury list remains unchanged, but Andoni Iraola has doubts hanging over a few of his players ahead of Fulham’s visit.
The Reds, thankfully, walked away with three points and no injuries from their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, with Bradley Barcola only suffering from cramp.
It leaves Iraola with four confirmed absentees, plus a handful of players who are doubtful for either a place in the starting lineup or the matchday squad.
Here is who could miss out for Liverpool vs. Fulham:
Bradley Barcola (cramp) – Doubt: no injury, expected to be available
Cody Gakpo (adductor) – Doubt: underwent fitness test on Friday
Joe Gomez (muscle) – Doubt: has returned to training
Federico Chiesa (muscle) – Unavailable
Giovanni Leoni (ACL) – Unavailable
Conor Bradley (knee) – Unavailable
Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) – Unavailable
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Firstly, Barcola is expected to be available after suffering cramp on his full debut, with the head coach preparing to include the Frenchman in his squad, at the very least.
Iraola said: “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.”
Cody Gakpo, however, had to prove his fitness on Friday after missing another training session on Thursday with an adductor issue.
“He didn’t train yesterday (Thursday). 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,” Iraola told reporters.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola lies injured during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola lies injured during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool do not have to rush the No. 18 back, and if he does miss Saturday’s league match, an appearance against one of his summer suitors on Tuesday could be in the reckoning.
There was no new update on Federico Chiesa, who has missed every matchday squad so far due to injury.
Joe Gomez returned to training earlier in the week after more than a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and could make the bench for the first time.
Hugo Ekitike return latest: ‘Realistic chance for January’
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There was a rare update on Hugo Ekitike‘s progress from his Achilles injury, which is due to keep the Frenchman sidelined until the end of the year.
He has provided positive updates of his recovery on his social media, and Iraola believes there is a “realistic chance” he can be involved for Liverpool’s final two Champions League games in January.
“We had a meeting with all the medical departments when we completed the list for the European games and there is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages.
Potential Fulham XI vs. Liverpool: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Iwobi, King, Palacios; Garcia
“But it’s still very early to say. It’s very early to say because it’s a long-term injury. A big part of the recovery is still to be met.”
Liverpool face Inter Milan (Jan 19) and Lens (Jan 27) in their final Champions League league phase games.
Liverpool’s available squad vs. Fulham
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Araujo, Jacquet, Gomez*, Kerkez, Frimpong, Tsimikas, Chambers
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Endo, McConnell
Forwards: Gakpo*, Munoz, Ngumoha, Isak, Barcola*, Koumas, Danns
*Doubt
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