09/09/26 06:04:00
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09/09 18:03 CDT Iraola: Barcola limped out of home debut for Liverpool because
of cramps, not injury
Iraola: Barcola limped out of home debut for Liverpool because of cramps, not
injury
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) --- Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola dismissed concerns
that Bradley Barcola had sustained an injury in the Champions League win
against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The $166 million summer signing Barcola limped out of Liverpool's 2-1 win at
Anfield with an apparent calf problem.
But Iraola said the forward was taken off due to cramp, rather than a serious
issue.
"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," he said.
Barcola pulled up shortly before the hour mark when attempting a run toward
goal. He went down on the turf holding his left calf.
After treatment from Liverpool's medical staff, Barcola was replaced by Victor
Munoz.
Barcola, who was Liverpool's key signing during the transfer window, was able
to leave the field on his feet and did not require a stretcher.
The two-time Champions League winner left back-to-back defending European
champion Paris Saint-Germain for Anfield and looked impressive on his first
start for Liverpool, with good chances in each half to score.
He was denied by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the first half, but failed to
hit the target when running through on goal after the break.
"I'm very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the
keeper. He hasn't scored, but I want him there," said Iraola. "There is where
he has to make the difference, arriving to those spots, those positions, and
I'm very happy because in - I don't know how many minutes he's played - two
times against the keeper is a good sign with Bradley."
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