Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley is set to undergo surgery on a serious knee injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international sustained the injury during the closing stages of Thursday’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal.
Liverpool confirmed the extent of Bradley’s injury in a statement, saying: “Conor Bradley has sustained a significant knee injury. He will undergo surgery in the coming days and then begin a period of rehabilitation.”
The BBC reported that although the injury is not a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), it involves damage to both the bone and ligaments.
The injury is also likely to jeopardize Bradley’s participation in Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off matches in March, with the team set to face Italy in the first leg. His absence from the international stage would be a major blow if Northern Ireland successfully navigates the play-offs.
Bradley had been seen as the natural successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, especially after the latter’s departure for Real Madrid. However, injury setbacks have limited his impact this season. Manager Arne Slot has frequently turned to midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai as a makeshift right-back in Bradley’s absence.
Bradley’s injury is a significant blow for both club and country, as Liverpool remain in contention for three major trophies. The Reds begin their FA Cup campaign at home to Barnsley on Monday, while they sit fourth in the Premier League and are on track to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
AFP
