Liverpool have set a timeline for the return of star forward Hugo Ekitike who has been sidelined since April this year.
Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon in April and has not played for the Reds since, leaving Iraola with Alexander Isak as his only senior centre-forward to pick.
The French international started his Anfield career on fire, netting 17 times in 45 appearances across all competitions, while adding six assists to that tally.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has now revealed that there is a chance Ekitike could make a long-awaited comeback before the year is out.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 14, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“There is a chance he could help us with the last two games of the [Champions League] group stage, but it is still very early to say,” the Spaniard said on Friday, ahead of the Merseysiders’ Premier League encounter against Fulham.
Liverpool earned their first league victory of Iraola’s reign at Portman Road last week, with a 2-0 win in East Anglia thanks to an Isak brace.
Iraola also gave an update about the fitness of Bradley Barcola who joined from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Frenchman made his debut off the bench, before earning a first full start in front of the Anfield faithful in the 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in their European opener in midweek.
However, he was withdrawn on the hour, sparking concern amongst the Liverpool fanbase.
“Barcola was just cramp,” he said.
“We have to evaluate how he is today, but there is no injury. I think he should be available if everything goes normal.”
There was less positive news around Cody Gakpo, who remains a doubt to face Fulham after missing the Atletico match with a hip adductor problem.
“Cody, we will see,” Iraola continued.
“We will try today and see if he is ready for tomorrow or if we need to wait until the next one.”
