Liverpool injury news: Andoni Iraola provides Bradley Barcola fitness update ahead of Fulham test

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has eased concerns surrounding the fitness of summer arrival Bradley Barcola.

The Reds are preparing for their fourth Premier League fixture of the 2026-27 season on Saturday afternoon, when pointless Fulham will visit Anfield, looking to cause an almighty upset.

Barcola made his Champions League debut for Liverpool on Wednesday night, when the Merseysiders came from behind to defeat La Liga giants Atletico Madrid during the opening round of League Phase contests.

The former Paris Saint-Germain winger made his debut for the Reds in the Premier League last Friday night, when a brilliant brace from Alexander Isak secured maximum points at the home of Ipswich Town.

Winning one and drawing two of their opening three top-flight battles, Iraola's troops sit in sixth spot in the Premier League standings, four points behind early pacesetters Manchester City and Arsenal.

'Should be available' - Iraola provides Barcola injury update

There was considerable concern about the fitness of Barcola after he was forced off on the 60-minute mark against Atletico Madrid earlier in the week, with the attacker limping off the Anfield turf.

However, just as he did post-match on Wednesday night, Liverpool head coach Iraola has moved quickly to squash any worries surrounding the 24-year-old ahead of Fulham's trip to Merseyside this weekend.

"We still need to train this [Friday] afternoon, but Barcola was just cramps, he finished the game tired so we have to evaluate but there is no injury he should be available if everything goes normal," said the Liverpool boss in his pre-match press conference.

Reading between the lines, it appears that the Reds are confident of having their star signing available for the visit of Fulham this weekend, when the hosts will be overwhelming favourites to claim three points.

Fulham have looked defensively weak so far this season and lost a number of key attackers over the course of the summer transfer window, including Welsh wizard Harry Wilson and Mexico's Raul Jimenez.

Liverpool's possible front three if Barcola is fit

Signing for £123m from the reigning European champions, Barcola is likely to play his preferred role on the left wing if available, meaning that in-form Cody Gakpo needs to operate elsewhere.

The versatile forward is capable of featuring on the opposite side, meaning that Swedish striker Isak could play through the middle to complete a formidable-looking Liverpool offence.

Set to play supporting roles when everyone else is available this season, Victor Munoz and Lewis Koumas provide plenty of energy and running power off the bench for Iraola's men this term.