Liverpool: Andoni Iraola hints at Hugo Ekitike return as injury timeline revealed

The French international has been sidelined since April this year, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. The striker has not played for the Reds since, leaving Iraola with Alexander Isak as his only senior centre-forward to pick. Ekitike started his Anfield career on fire, netting 17 times in 45 appearances across all competitions, while adding six assists to that tally. Now, Iraola believes that there is a chance he could make a long-awaited comeback before the year is out."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. Sidelined: Hugo EkitikeGettyLiverpool 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. £123million arrival Bradley Barcola 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. The Frenchman, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the transfer deadline, was withdrawn on the hour, sparking concern amongst the Liverpool fanbase. Iraola allayed those fears on Friday, however, insisting that the winger had been suffering from cramp. “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.”Read MoreThere 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."