Liverpool could be without Conor Bradley for far longer than first anticipated, with concerns growing over the severity of the right-back’s injury.
According to injury specialist Ben Dinnery, the Northern Ireland international is facing an extended spell on the sidelines, with a comeback potentially delayed until as late as 2027.
Bradley suffered a serious knee injury during Liverpool’s goalless draw away at Arsenal in early January. Initial optimism suggested he could be available again in time for pre-season, but updated evaluations paint a far more worrying picture.
Conor Bradley setback worse than expected
Speaking to Anfield Index, Dinnery delivered a sobering update on the 22-year-old’s condition, revealing the injury sustained in stoppage time at the Emirates involved substantial ligament and bone damage.
“We’re likely looking at a recovery timeline that runs well into the latter stages of the year,” Dinnery explained.
“If he manages to return at any point in 2026, that would be a huge bonus for Liverpool — but it could just as easily drift into the early months of 2027.”
Dinnery added that the fact the injury occurred without contact is particularly concerning and strongly suggests a severe ACL issue.
“Non-contact injuries are always a red flag,” he said. “The scans showed both ligament and bone damage, and the mechanism pointed toward a significant ACL injury.”
Liverpool’s defensive problems worsen
Liverpool’s options at right-back are currently extremely limited. Summer arrival Jeremie Frimpong is also unavailable due to a groin problem, although he is expected to return within weeks after a stop-start first season at Anfield.
Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a hip complaint, while the club were unable to land Lutsharel Geertruida before the transfer deadline. As a result, Arne Slot has been forced to deploy midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai in unfamiliar defensive roles.
Liverpool have confirmed the £60m capture of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet for the summer, but the Frenchman will remain at Rennes until the end of the campaign.
Given Bradley’s lengthy rehabilitation, this latest setback could push Liverpool back into the transfer market in search of a specialist right-back to avoid being caught short next season.
