Liverpool’s Conor Bradley will miss the remainder of the season due to a severe knee injury sustained against Arsenal, further depleting Arne Slot’s defensive options.
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley will undergo surgery following a season-ending knee injury sustained during Thursday’s scoreless draw against Arsenal.
While scans confirmed the 22-year-old avoided a ruptured ACL, he suffered significant ligament and bone damage to his left knee.
The Northern Ireland international was stretchered off in the final minutes at the Emirates Stadium, leaving the ground on crutches with his leg in a protective brace.
The injury is a “crushing blow” for head coach Arne Slot, whose debut season has been plagued by serious fitness issues.
Slot admitted he “feared the worst” regarding the defender’s condition. The incident was further marred by a confrontation with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, who attempted to shove the injured Bradley off the pitch.
Martinelli has since contacted the right-back to apologize for his actions during the heated encounter.
With Bradley sidelined, Slot must look to Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, or Calvin Ramsay to fill the vacancy.
Bradley’s absence is particularly disruptive as it forces a tactical reshuffle while Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON.
Though his club season is over, Bradley has not yet been ruled out of potential World Cup play-offs in March, should Northern Ireland qualify for the tournament.