Defender Requires Surgery After Arsenal Clash, Dealing Major Blow to Reds’ Campaign and World Cup Hopes
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a “significant” knee injury in Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal, the club confirmed on Saturday.
The 22-year-old right-back was carried off on a stretcher in stoppage time at the Emirates and will undergo surgery in the coming days, beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process at the club’s training centre. The injury also casts serious doubt over his availability for Northern Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifying playoff against Italy in March.
“Liverpool FC can confirm Conor Bradley has sustained a significant knee injury,” the club said in a statement. “No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage.”
The news is a major setback for manager Arne Slot, who has relied on Bradley as his first-choice right-back this season. “I fear the worst for Conor Bradley,” Slot said after the match. “You don’t like to see a player being moved if he might have an injury.”
Bradley’s absence compounds Liverpool’s defensive issues, with Jeremie Frimpong only recently returning from his own injury and Mohamed Salah still at the Africa Cup of Nations. Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has previously been deployed as an emergency full-back.
The incident that led to the injury sparked controversy when Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli kicked the ball at the fallen defender and pushed him in an attempt to clear the pitch. Martinelli later apologized on social media, stating he did not realize the severity of the injury “in the heat of the moment.”
For Bradley, a breakout season is now cruelly cut short, leaving Liverpool to navigate a packed schedule without one of their most consistent performers.
Similar Posts:
- Gabriel Martinelli Apologizes to Conor Bradley After Shove on Injured Liverpool Star
- Real Madrid Captain Dani Carvajal Facing Another Lengthy Knee Layoff
- Injury Concerns for Liverpool Ahead of Manchester City Clash
- Liverpool Confirm Isak’s Ankle Surgery After Fracture, Faces Long Absence
- Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes Ruled Out for Season After Hamstring Surgery
