Conor Bradley was stretched off with a knee injury at Arsenal, and Arne Slot admitted that he “fears the worst” for his right-back.
Conor Bradley Injury & Transfer Impact
Injury concern:Arne Slot admitted he “fears the worst” for Conor Bradley after the right-back was stretchered off with a non-contact knee injury in the final moments at Arsenal.
The detail: With a potential ACL tear feared, Liverpool’s defensive depth is under immediate pressure, particularly as Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong have already faced fitness issues this season.
Next step: The severity of the injury could force Liverpool into the January market, with Marc Guehi available for an estimated £40 million amid rival interest from Man City.
Liverpool’s right-back had started to string together a run of starts, with the trip to Arsenal his third in a row, but he did not see the final whistle out on the pitch.
After chasing down a ball and seeking to kick it out of play, Bradley, under no contact, clutched at his left knee and required stretching off the field, visibly distraught.
While Slot front the media soon after the match, there was a brief update offered to reporters on the Northern Irishman, and he is left fearing the worst, which would be a season-ending ACL tear.
To Sky Sports, he said: “I’m afraid that another injury has come up today, let’s hope for the best, but I fear the worst for Conor Bradley.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Thursday, January 8, 2026: Liverpool's Conor Bradley is stretchered off during the FA Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
And in his press conference, he reiterated the point, saying: “It doesn’t look great if he has the injury which we fear he might have.
“It didn’t look great if you have to go off on a stretcher, and I think when we see the video we both probably think the same, but we have to wait on the scans if it’s that bad, or if he can play on Monday – let’s hope so!”
It would certainly be optimistic if Bradley was to play again in the short term, let alone in the FA Cup on Monday, but Liverpool will anxiously be awaiting the result of his scans.
The injury to Bradley alone was tough to watch, but Gabriel Martinelli had blood boiling as he threw the ball at the No. 12 before attempting to shove him off the pitch, despite the clear severity of the injury.
He was fortunate Liverpool players showed restraint, with only Ibrahima Konate shown a yellow card after one for Martinelli having reacted to the Brazilian’s disgusting actions.
Could Bradley’s injury force Liverpool to act in transfer window?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Palace won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot has been without both of his right-backs throughout the season already, requiring others to step in, including Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.
If Bradley’s injury is as serious as it appeared, losing a defensive option could prompt action in the January transfer window, and Liverpool supporters will argue it should.
Joe Gomez will be required as right-back cover, in addition to centre-back, and with his and Jeremie Frimpong‘s injury history this season, it is a dangerous game to play to leave options so slim.
Marc Guehi is available but for a fee that the club would have hoped to avoid, with the Crystal Palace captain obtainable on a free transfer in the summer.
Fact File: Marc Guehi Transfer Status
Contract Expiry July 1, 2026 (6 months remaining)
Summer 2025 Price £35 million (Deal collapsed)
January 2026 Price Estimated £40 million
Primary Suitors Liverpool, Man City, Bayern Munich
Oliver Glasner admitted this week that Guehi could be sold if an interested club meets their “threshold” this month, which the Guardian reported would be £40 million.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reported ahead of kickoff at the Emirates that Arsenal “retain a long-standing interest” in the centre-back, with Man City still deliberating whether to make a move.
Liverpool’s interest remains and Palace appear open to striking a deal, but it remains to be seen if the club are willing to act this month.