Liverpool XI vs Fulham: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

Reds hoping for a fitness boost ahead of return to Premier League action

Bradley Barcola is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Fulham this weekend.

The France international was handed his full Liverpool debut in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, though was substituted on the hour mark which sparked fears of an injury blow.

However, Andoni Iraola allayed those fears by insisting the £123million summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain was suffering from cramp.

“No, it is cramp. It is just cramp, there is no injury,” the Liverpool head coach revealed in the post-match press conference.

“With Bradley, it's about building his physical condition. We don't really know - or we didn't know until now, probably - how much he can play because he hasn't had any minutes in pre-season for PSG.

Iraola should provide a fresh update on Barcola ahead of the Fulham game, but the Spaniard’s options out wide are complicated with Cody Gakpo also a doubt.

The Dutchman, who has a goal contribution in every Premier League match so far this season, missed the win over Atletico with an adductor issue and there is no guarantee he will return for the visit of the Cottagers.

Cody Gakpo is a major doubt for Liverpool vs Fulham

Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz are on standby if Gakpo fails to recover, while Jeremie Frimpong is also an option at right-wing.

Milos Kerkez should be fine to keep his place at left-back despite also suffering from cramp late on in the Champions League tie, meaning Iraola can name an unchanged back four for the third game in a row.

Alisson Becker has been cleared to feature despite being fined by the FA (Football Association) for misconduct in the wake of Liverpool’s draw with Nottingham Forest.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are set to continue in midfield, with changes expected in next week’s Carabao Cup third round meeting with Tottenham. Alexander Isak will look to add to his three Premier League goals as he leads the line again.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.

Injured: Ekitike, Leoni, Bradley, Chiesa

Doubts: Gomez, Kerkez, Barcola, Gakpo