Liverpool defender Bradley out for season with knee injury
The Reds star picked up the issue at the end of Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Arsenal
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a significant knee injury that involves damage to both bone and ligament.
The 22-year-old was forced off during Thursday’s 0-0 Premier League draw with Arsenal after landing awkwardly near the touchline in stoppage time while chasing the ball.
The injury is not related to Bradley’s anterior cruciate ligament, but he is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days.
The setback also places his involvement in the World Cup in doubt should Northern Ireland qualify, with Bradley set to miss their play-off semi-final against Italy on 26 March.
The incident occurred late in the match when Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli attempted to push Bradley off the pitch as he lay injured, hoping to allow play to continue.
Martinelli dropped the ball on his opponent before shoving him in the back, an action that sparked a confrontation between players from both sides.
Martinelli and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate were subsequently shown yellow cards for their involvement.
Martinelli later apologised on social media, saying the two players had since been in contact. “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment,” Martinelli posted on Instagram.
“I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Roy Keane were highly critical of Martinelli’s actions while speaking on Sky Sports. Neville described the incident as “absolutely disgraceful” and labelled the Arsenal winger an “idiot” for his behaviour.
Bradley has been Liverpool’s first-choice right-back this season following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid in the summer, starting 12 Premier League matches.
His absence leaves Liverpool manager Arne Slot with limited options, with Joe Gomez available as cover and Dominik Szoboszlai having occasionally filled in at full-back.
The more likely solution could be Jeremie Frimpong, who has been operating further forward on the right flank in recent weeks.