Bradley Barcola suffered an injury scare on his first Liverpool start, but manager Andoni Iraola has revealed the £123million summer signing was only struggling with cramp.
Barcola was withdrawn in the 60th minute of Liverpool's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night. He went down off the ball clutching his left calf after attempting to run in behind the defence, and received treatment from the medical team on the pitch before hobbling off.
Iraola's relief after Barcola scare
Speaking after the match, Iraola confessed his relief when Barcola confirmed he was simply suffering from cramp. The Liverpool boss was seen frantically asking Barcola about whether it was merely cramp as he made his way to the substitutes' bench.
Iraola delivered the positive news in a post-match interview with TNT Sports after the final whistle.
"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.
Missed chances in Liverpool debut
The Frenchman spurned two glorious opportunities to open his account in a Liverpool shirt before his early exit. The sight of him receiving treatment on the pitch left Liverpool supporters anxious, but the manager's update will ease those concerns.
