Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Bradley Barcola's early exit in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid was due to cramp, not a serious injury. The £123million summer signing went down holding his left calf after sprinting in behind the defence and was forced off in the 60th minute.
Barcola's night cut short
The Frenchman started the match at Anfield but was unable to complete it after the apparent calf problem. He had earlier missed two clear chances to score his first goal for Liverpool, and the sight of him receiving treatment on the pitch before gingerly walking off would have concerned supporters.
Iraola was seen nervously asking Barcola whether it was just cramp as the winger made his way to the substitutes' bench. Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, the Liverpool boss delivered the reassuring update.
Iraola's relief
"It was just cramps, especially with Bradley [Barcola]. We are rushing him, he hasn't played any minutes in pre-season, but today we decided to ask him to give everything he had," Iraola said.
The confirmation will come as a relief to Liverpool fans, with Barcola having arrived in the summer for a club-record fee. The club will now hope the forward can build on his performance without any lingering issues.
