Bakola Substituted Due to Cramps on Champions League Debut, Doubtful for Fulham Match This Weekend

Liverpool winger Bradley Bakola made his first start in Wednesday's Champions League 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid and was substituted around the one-hour mark after picking up an issue.

First start included all three goals

Bakola started Liverpool's Champions League league-phase opener, a 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid, and was on the pitch for all three goals. Liverpool came from behind to secure an opening victory in this season's Champions League league phase.

Around the hour mark, the France international received treatment and was substituted. He was replaced by fellow new signing Victor Munoz as part of a double substitution. Iraola's team then held on to secure the win and take all three points.

Iraola: Just cramps, no injury

Liverpool will return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, with former Reds player Alvaro Arbeloa leading Fulham in their trip to Anfield as they look for their first points of the season.

After Wednesday's comeback win over Atletico Madrid, Iraola spoke to reporters about Bakola's situation. The new Reds manager confirmed: "Just cramps, no injury."

Iraola further explained: "For Bradley, the key is gradually building up his physical condition. We actually weren't sure—or rather, until now we weren't sure—how many minutes he could play, because he had no playing time during Paris Saint-Germain's pre-season."

He added: "He played 30 minutes a few days ago, and today we had some doubts about his playing time. Now we probably know how many minutes he can give us."

Left-back Kerkez also suffered cramps

Left-back Milos Kerkez was also substituted late in the Champions League opener. Iraola revealed that Kerkez was also suffering from cramps.

Iraola said: "I think I will always make substitutions for this reason—you have given everything, there is nothing more left, and that is perfect."

Liverpool now have a clearer understanding of Bakola's match fitness level, but both Bakola and Kerkez are expected to be available for Saturday's Premier League match against Fulham.

Clear contrast in the two teams' starts

The Merseyside side are among the eight Premier League teams still unbeaten after the first three rounds of the season. They won away at Ipswich Town in the previous league match, after previously drawing 2-2 with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Fulham have lost all three of their opening matches, including two narrow 3-2 defeats against Chelsea and Crystal Palace. They had taken the lead twice in their previous match against Crystal Palace.