Andoni Iraola says Hugo Ekitike is still some way from returning from his Achilles injury but believes the Liverpool striker has a realistic chance of featuring in the club’s final two Champions League league-phase matches in January.

Ekitike has not played for Liverpool since suffering the injury against Paris Saint-Germain in April. Iraola provided the latest update during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Fulham.

Why Iraola Confirms January As The Return Window For Ekitike

Iraola was asked about Ekitike's recovery, and he gave a clear assessment of the striker's progress.

“I think it's difficult with these long-term injuries, I think he's still far away,” he said.

Iraola also revealed that Liverpool's coaching and medical staff discussed Ekitike's situation while finalising the club's 25-man Champions League squad for the league phase.

"We had a meeting with the medical department to analyse when we completed the list for the European games," Iraola said. "There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages." "It's still very early to say," he added. "It's a long-term injury, and a big part of the rehab is still to be done."

Iraola also explained why Ekitike was included in Liverpool's Champions League squad.

“If we decide to put him there, it is because there is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January,” he said.

Liverpool's final two league-phase fixtures are against Inter Milan and Lens, meaning Ekitike could potentially return in time to feature in either game.

Why Ekitike Made Liverpool's Champions League Squad

Ekitike suffered an Achilles injury in April during Liverpool's Champions League defeat to his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. He underwent surgery and has spent the months since recovering away from first-team action.

He finished last season as Liverpool's top scorer before the injury ended his campaign. His name appearing on this season's Champions League list was not a routine inclusion.

Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo were both left out of the 25-man squad to satisfy UEFA's homegrown-quota requirements, despite being fit and available for domestic selection.

Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, two other players still working back from long-term injuries, were named alongside Ekitike.

Putting an unavailable striker ahead of two fit squad members is the kind of decision that invites scrutiny, and it explains why Iraola was pressed on the subject rather than volunteering the update unprompted.

Barcola And Gakpo Fitness Latest Ahead Of Fulham

Liverpool's attacking options have also changed during Ekitike's absence. Mohamed Salah left the club over the summer, while two new wingers, Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz, have since arrived.

Barcola made his first Champions League start in the win over Atletico Madrid in midweek before being withdrawn around the hour mark. Iraola later confirmed that the change was precautionary.

“There is no injury,” he said. “I think he should be available if everything goes normal.”

Cody Gakpo, who missed the Atletico match with a hip issue, remains a day-to-day decision.

“We will try today and see if he is ready for tomorrow, or if we need to wait until the next one,” Iraola said.

No fixed return date has been set for Ekitike, and Iraola has avoided putting one on his recovery. Liverpool's final two Champions League league-phase fixtures against Inter Milan and Lens are the earliest games he could realistically feature in.

For now, Liverpool's immediate concern is the fitness of Barcola and Gakpo ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Fulham. Fulham, managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, have only Tom Cairney sidelined through injury.