Liverpool likely to field a new-look attack vs Fulham after Atletico Madrid injury concerns

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Liverpool’s win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday brought plenty of positives for Andoni Iraola, but it also showed the dangers of playing two or three times in a week.The Basque has never had to deal with a relentless schedule like Liverpool‘s as a head coach, but having seen Cody Gakpo ruled out before the match and Bradley Barcola go down with a potential problem during the game, he is learning quickly that it can be fairly brutal.Thankfully, Barcola escaped an injury and merely had cramp against Atletico, but with Gakpo has not been so lucky, and with Iraola doubtful over his inclusion against Fulham on Saturday, Liverpool fans may see the untested duo of Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha start either side of Alexander Isak. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar Gakpo and Barcola unlikely to start against FulhamAlthough it is obviously great news that Barcola will not be missing for any length of time at all, Iraola stressed after Wednesday’s win that Liverpool do need to manage the Frenchman’s minutes somewhat.His cramping issue was a signal that he was done for the night after 60 minutes, and though he will likely to available to start against Fulham, it seems much more likely that he will come off the bench instead.There is no need to start him for a second time in four days, and Iraola will know that he has to rely on other options instead.“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 on Wednesday evening.READ MORE: One Liverpool player made sure he won’t be starting for a while after what he did vs Atletico Madrid“He played 30 the other day [and] today we had some question marks, how many minutes he can give us and probably now we know.”As for Gakpo, the news was far less promising. The Dutchman has started the season in terrific form, and it was a real blow not to have him available for Atletico.Iraola confirmed that he does not yet know whether he will have Gakpo back for Fulham, but at the very best it sounds as though a place on the bench is still within reach.“I don’t know [if he will be back],” he said.

He doesn’t have a proper injury, but he finished with niggles in both of the adductors the other day.“We expected to have him for today, [but] it hasn’t been possible. If not, Rio, Victor, I think today everyone has done a big effort.”Munoz and Ngumoha set to be given chanceFrom Iraola’s words, it sounds like he is already preparing to rely upon Munoz and Ngumoha as his wing pairing on Saturday.Although both players have shown plenty in Liverpool shirts and there should be no concerns about either being picked, that is still a clear drop-off from Gakpo and Barcola.Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty ImagesNevertheless, Ngumoha looked much better after a slow start when playing on the left against Atletico, while Munoz is a threat for any team with his pace and direct running.The Spaniard has already started for Liverpool in the Premier League and looks determined to force his way into the starting line-up.Ngumoha, Munoz and Isak would not be many supporters’ preferred attack this season, and that it already will be after only four matches of the Premier League campaign does highlight some depth issues.