Liverpool have been dealt a major injury setback with defender Conor Bradley ruled out of the remainder of the season with a significant knee injury.
The right-back suffered the injury during last Thursday’s goalless draw at league leaders Arsenal when he landed awkwardly on his knee near the touchline.
The incident prompted a reaction from the Gunners forward Gabriel Martinelli, who misjudged the injury for time wasting and attempted to push the defender off the pitch.
The Brazil international has since offered a public apology regarding the incident, sending his best wishes to Bradley as well.
The Northern Ireland defender will undergo surgery in the coming days, although the injury is not associated to his anterior cruciate ligament.
The 22-year-old will also miss his country’s World Cup playoff schedule against Italy in March and could miss the showpiece event next summer if his country qualifies.
Bradley has made 21 appearances for the Premier League champions this season, but his injury has now left them significantly short of options in the right-back position.
Jeremie Frimpong, who was brought in last summer as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold who joined Real Madrid has also suffered his own share of injuries this season.
However, Arne Slot has also played Dominic Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez in the position, but the Reds could be forced to make a transfer move this month with the window already open.
Liverpool welcome Barnsley to Anfield in the FA Cup third round on Monday night, seeking a win to progress to the next round of the competition.
The Reds are also fourth in the English Premier League standings, but are 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal after 21 matches.
There is no timeline on Bradley’s recovery, but the defender is expected to at least be out of action until the summer.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
