Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo was absent from the matchday squad for the Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid due to an adductor problem, head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed to TNT Sports before the game.
Gakpo has made a fast start to the Premier League season under his new boss, contributing one goal and three assists in his first three appearances. He played the full 90 minutes on Friday night, setting up Alexander Isak twice in a comfortable 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.
However, he was not pictured in training on Tuesday and subsequently missed the visit of Atletico at Anfield on Wednesday.
Iraola explains Gakpo's absence
Asked about the injury pre-match, Iraola said: 'Yes Cody finished the game the other day against Ipswich with some adductor issues.'
'Both sides, nothing specific and not a proper injury but we didn't want to risk him. I think it makes sense to take a rest and I hope we can recover him for the next one but I think even for the weekend he has a chance to be there.'
Iraola added that Gakpo's absence was precautionary, with the club hoping he could return for the weekend's league fixture against Fulham.
Barcola handed first Liverpool start
Bradley Barcola, signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £123million, replaced Gakpo in the starting line-up for his first Liverpool start. Victor Munoz was dropped to the bench, with Rio Ngumoha starting on the right wing instead.
On the decision to start Barcola, Iraola added: 'It's true that he hasn't had the pre-season minutes but I liked what I saw from him the other day [against Ipswich] for 30 minutes.'
'He's been training well so I think it was a good game to put him in straight away. Now I don't think he can probably finish the game, we'll see how he does, but we need some freshness and I think especially outside with Rio [Ngumoha] and Bradley, I think we can find these difference makers.'
Team news and upcoming fixture
Liverpool's starting XI against Atletico was: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ngumoha, Isak, Barcola. Substitutes included Mamardashvili, Woodman, Tsimikas, Munoz, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Chambers, McConnell, Koumas, and Danns.
Atletico's line-up featured Oblak, Llorente, Hancko, Romero, Pubil, Barios, Koke, Simeone, Baena, Alvarez, and Lee, with Musso, Vargas, Mendoza, Cardoso, Lookman, David, Grimaldo, Hjulmand, Le Normand, Dominguez, Martinez, and Castillo on the bench.
Liverpool face a quick turnaround after Wednesday's match, hosting Fulham in the league at Anfield on Saturday.
