Liverpool have completed their final preparations for their UEFA Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, with the Reds taking part in a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of Wednesday night’s meeting at Anfield.
The fixture will mark Andoni Iraola’s first Champions League match as Liverpool head coach, adding another layer of interest to what promises to be a challenging European opener.
Joe Gomez Returns to Training
One of the positive developments from Tuesday’s session was the return of Joe Gomez, who has been recovering from a muscle problem sustained during pre-season.
Gomez took part in the team’s preparations at the AXA Training Centre, giving Iraola an encouraging boost ahead of the European campaign. However, his return to training does not necessarily mean he will be ready to start against Atletico Madrid. Liverpool’s official team news described him as nearing the end of his recovery.
The defender’s return is nevertheless welcome news for Liverpool as the club prepares for a busy season involving both domestic and European football.
Gakpo Misses Training
While Gomez’s return provided encouragement, Cody Gakpo was absent from the training session.
Reports indicate that the Dutch forward missed the session as a precaution after experiencing some muscular tightness. His availability for the Atletico Madrid game therefore remained a question heading into the match.
Gakpo has made a strong start under Iraola, contributing one goal and three assists during Liverpool’s opening three Premier League matches, making his fitness an important talking point before the Champions League opener.
Barcola Ready for a Bigger Role
With uncertainty surrounding Gakpo, attention has also turned to new signing Bradley Barcola.
The French forward joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain and made his debut as a second-half substitute during the Reds’ recent 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
Iraola has indicated that Barcola is ready to play more minutes, although the manager also acknowledged that the player did not have the normal amount of pre-season game time before joining Liverpool.
That could give Barcola an opportunity to make his first start for Liverpool in one of the biggest fixtures of the early season.
Young Players Also Feature
The training session also provided an opportunity to see some of Liverpool’s younger players involved with the first-team group.
Among those pictured were Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, alongside other members of Iraola’s squad.
For young players at a club of Liverpool’s size, European nights can provide valuable experience, particularly when the manager is managing injuries and a demanding fixture schedule.
Liverpool Face a Familiar European Opponent
Atletico Madrid are no strangers to Liverpool in European competition.
The two sides have already produced several memorable Champions League encounters, including Atletico’s dramatic 3-2 victory at Anfield in 2020 after extra time.
Wednesday’s match gives both clubs another opportunity to begin their European campaign with an important result.
Liverpool will also have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters at Anfield, where the atmosphere is expected to be intense from the opening whistle.
Champions League Campaign Begins at Anfield
Liverpool’s meeting with Atletico Madrid is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 8pm BST according to the club’s matchday schedule, with the fixture taking place at Anfield.
For Iraola, it represents an important early test of his ability to manage Liverpool at the highest level of European football.
The Spaniard has already begun introducing his ideas to the team, and a strong Champions League start would provide another boost after Liverpool recorded their first Premier League victory of the season against Ipswich.
My Opinion
Liverpool’s preparations provide plenty of reasons for optimism, but the fitness of key players remains something to watch.
Gomez’s return to training is encouraging for the defence, while Gakpo’s absence creates some uncertainty in attack. Barcola could therefore have an important role to play if he is given more minutes.
The bigger question will be whether Liverpool can maintain their attacking threat while dealing with Atletico Madrid’s experience and defensive organisation.
This is exactly the kind of European fixture that can give Iraola an early indication of where his team stands.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool head into their Champions League opener with a mixture of positive injury news, selection questions and plenty of anticipation.
Joe Gomez is back in training, while Cody Gakpo’s fitness remains a concern. At the same time, Bradley Barcola is pushing for a bigger role after his Liverpool debut.
With Atletico Madrid arriving at Anfield, Liverpool now have the opportunity to begin their European campaign with a statement performance.
All eyes will be on Anfield as Iraola takes charge of Liverpool in the Champions League for the first time.
