Today's Liverpool news sees updates surrounding Reds' forwards Bradley Barcola and Hugo Ekitike05:00, 12 Sep 2026Liverpool finally look like they're ticking as they face Fulham at Anfield on Saturday. Back-to-back wins over Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League look to have the Reds on track after successive 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.‌Andoni Iraola has thrown his new signings in at the deep end, with Bradley Barcola making two appearances so far since moving from PSG in late August for £123million. While the Reds are averaging two goals a game so far, the Basque head coach is yet to fully unleash the might of his front line, largely thanks to the Achilles injury to Hugo Ekitike.‌Today's news sees the Liverpool boss reveal a timeframe for the French striker's return. Elsewhere, Barcola has been given a warning about the aspect of his game that he must improve on.‌Ekitike timeframeIraola has confirmed that Ekitike is still some time away from returning to action after suffering a devastating injury in April. This week, a video of the French international training with a ball, as part of his rehabilitation, sparked excitement that he could be close to a return.The forward was also included in Liverpool's Champions League squad for this season despite his current injury. Ahead of the clash against the Cottagers, Iraola provided an update.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page‌He said: "I think it is difficult with these long-term injuries. I think he is still far [away]. We had a meeting with the medical to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the (Champions League) group stages, but it is still very early to say."It's very early because it's a long-term injury, but if we decided to put him there (in the Champions League squad) it is because there is a hope and a realistic chance that he could help us in January, yes."‌The Reds cap off their Champions League league phase with a trip to Inter Milan on January 19 and a home game against Lens on January 27.Barcola warningFormer Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes Bradley Barcola is a player who generates excitement, but he needs to improve his numbers in front of goal. The French international could have scored on two separate occasions against Atleti on Wednesday.In the first half, he saw a one-on-one effort saved by Jan Oblak. He then fluffed his lines in the second half, spurning a one-on-one chance by sending it wide of the post.‌Barcola was then hooked at the hour mark with a calf cramp. Shearer, speaking via Betfair, said: “Liverpool have got (Cody) Gakpo, they've got Barcola, they've got (Rio) Ngumoha, they’ve got (Victor) Munoz as well.“So, they've got those players to sort of play both sides, but it was slightly concerning that Barcola went off on Wednesday feeling his calf.‌“I mean it looked a little bit more than cramp. But there's no doubt, I mean he's a top player, Bradley Barcola. The one thing he has to improve on is his goal output.“He had a chance or two on Wednesday night that he should have scored and those stats in terms of goals need to improve. But he's a fantastic player and he'll get bums off seats and he'll excite people.”While Barcola limped off against Diego Simeone’s side, Iraola confirmed on Friday that the winger is in contention to feature against Fulham.Article continues belowJoin our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.