Liverpool are facing an anxious wait over Cody Gakpo's fitness after the forward missed Wednesday night's Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid with discomfort in both adductors.
Gakpo was left out of the squad for the 2-1 comeback win at Anfield after experiencing problems following Liverpool's Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
And while new head coach Andoni Iraola has played down the severity of the issue, he could not guarantee that the Dutchman will be fit to face Fulham on Saturday.
Gakpo Ruled Out as a Precaution
Gakpo had been expected to feature against Atlético after starting the season strongly.
Instead, he missed the matchday squad altogether after Liverpool decided not to take a risk with the forward.
Iraola explained that Gakpo had finished the Ipswich game with discomfort in both adductors. The Liverpool boss stressed that there was no specific major injury, but the club felt resting him was the sensible option.
That decision meant Liverpool had to adjust their attacking options for their Champions League opener.
Bradley Barcola made his first start for the club, while Rio Ngumoha also featured as Liverpool eventually recovered from Marcos Llorente's early goal to beat Atlético 2-1.
Iraola Cannot Guarantee Gakpo for Fulham
The immediate concern for Liverpool is the turnaround.
The Reds return to Premier League action against Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, giving them only around two and a half days to recover from the Atlético match.
Iraola admitted that Gakpo has a chance of returning but stopped short of promising that he will be available.
The manager said the next couple of days would be about recovery before a decision is made on whether Gakpo can play some part against Fulham.
That leaves Liverpool with a nervous wait over one of their most productive attackers.
If Gakpo is unavailable again, Iraola will have to decide whether to continue with Barcola, use Ngumoha or make another adjustment to his attacking structure.
Why Gakpo's Absence Matters
Gakpo's timing could hardly be more frustrating.
The Netherlands international was heavily involved in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Ipswich, providing the assists for both of Alexander Isak's goals.
He has also become an important part of Iraola's attacking plans following a summer in which his future was the subject of considerable speculation.
Liverpool ultimately kept him, and Iraola publicly expressed his satisfaction at having the forward available for the new season.
Losing him, even temporarily, would therefore remove an important source of width, movement and creativity from an attack that is still adapting to Iraola's methods.
The good news is that there is currently no indication of a serious long-term problem.
The concern is simply whether Gakpo can recover quickly enough.
Liverpool Have Another Fitness Concern
Gakpo was not the only Liverpool attacker under the spotlight against Atlético.
Barcola was substituted after an hour after appearing to struggle physically, while left-back Milos Kerkez was also withdrawn late in the match.
However, Iraola confirmed that both players were suffering from cramp rather than significant injuries.
That should provide some relief to Liverpool, particularly with the Fulham fixture arriving so quickly.
But the situation also highlights the physical demands facing Iraola's squad.
Liverpool have now begun their Champions League campaign while simultaneously trying to establish a new playing style under their manager.
Managing the workload will become increasingly important as the calendar fills up.
The Gakpo Decision Could Come Late
For now, Liverpool appear to be taking the cautious approach.
Iraola's comments suggest the club will not rush Gakpo back simply to have him available against Fulham.
If the adductor problem settles sufficiently, he could feature. If not, Liverpool will wait rather than risk turning a minor issue into a longer absence.
That makes the next training sessions particularly important.
Gakpo's absence against Atlético was frustrating rather than catastrophic, but Liverpool will want their forward back quickly — especially with another Premier League match already approaching.
For now, the message from Anfield is reassuring but not definitive:
Gakpo does not appear to have a serious injury, but his availability for Fulham remains uncertain.
Fan Debate
⚽ GOAL: Gakpo will return quickly and remain one of Liverpool's most important attackers.
🔥 FIRE: Liverpool are right not to risk Gakpo over a minor fitness concern.
😲 SHOCK: Another absence could expose Liverpool's attacking depth despite their huge summer spending.
👍 LIKE: Iraola is making the right call by prioritising Gakpo's recovery.
💬 COMMENT: Should Liverpool start Gakpo against Fulham if he is only partially fit?
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