Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike remains some distance from a return to action after suffering an Achilles injury in April. The French striker was included in the Reds' Champions League squad for this season despite his current layoff, and Iraola has now provided a timeframe ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Anfield.
Ekitike still 'far' from return
Speaking ahead of the match against the Cottagers, Iraola 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."
He added: "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 conclude their Champions League league phase with a trip to Inter Milan on January 19 and a home game against Lens on January 27.
Shearer warns Barcola on goal output
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes Bradley Barcola is a player who generates excitement, but he needs to improve his numbers in front of goal. The French international could have scored on two separate occasions against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, seeing a one-on-one effort saved by Jan Oblak in the first half and then sending a second one-on-one chance wide in the second half.
Barcola was substituted at the hour mark with 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. 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 limped off against Diego Simeone's side, Iraola confirmed on Friday that the winger is in contention to feature against Fulham.
