Positive news has come out of Anfield after their win over Atlético Madrid. What a relief that is.
Liverpool had a successful evening on Wednesday as they overcame Atlético at Anfield. The Reds fell behind to yet another Marcos Llorente goal but turned things are wonderfully to win 2-1.
Dominik Szoboszlai got the first thanks to an inventing Ronald Araujo assist, the latter’s first for Liverpool. Alexis Mac Allister then scored a fantastic winner in the second half, striking it from long range with his weaker foot.
And this was a notable game for another reason: Bradley Barcola’s debut in front of the Anfield crowd. The Frenchman became Liverpool third nine-figure signing this summer and took to the starting XI with the other two, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
He was unlucky not to grab a home debut goal, too. Barcola was put through on goal by Wirtz in the second half but his finish went wide of the post - but it was exactly the kind of situation Liverpool signed him for. It’s promising to see the pair link immediately, certainly.
But things did end with a worry. Barcola pulled up off the ball and went off early, seemingly hurting his calf. An early injury for the winger?
Fortunately, it seems not.
Andoni Iraola was quick to address Barcola after the match. He made it clear at the player wasn't actually injured - he just suffered from some cramp.
"No, it is cramp," said Iraola. "It is just cramp, there is no injury.
"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 had the same confirmation about Milos Kerkez, who was also forced off. The Hungarian received treatment for cramp from Dominik Szoboszlai shortly before his exit - so it's not exactly a shock.
Still, it's positive news and a massive relief that both players are fine. Both should be ready to go against Fulham as Liverpool aim for three back-to-back wins.
