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AFP via Getty Images
Conor Bradley was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
Liverpool fans are awaiting the latest update on Conor Bradley’s injury diagnosis.
The right-back was stretchered off in the closing stages of the 0-0 draw against Arsenal last Thursday. Bradley went down in pain and left the pitch with his head in his hands. Reds head coach Arne Slot has admitted that he is fearing the worst, which means the Northern Ireland international could be sidelined for a prolonged period.
If that is the case, it could have a knock-on effect on the decisions that the Reds make in the January transfer window. Here’s a look at what it could impact.
Chiesa kept
Liverpool might have already been thinking they could not lose any players this month given their shortage of options.
In truth, it has not been a shock that Chiesa has been linked with a potential exit. The forward has been a bit-part player since arriving from Juventus in August 2024, making just two Premier League starts. This season, he has been behind Isak, Ekitike, Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz in the pecking order. And since his return from injury, Jeremie Frimpong has been preferred on the right flank.
However, Frimpong may now be deemed primarily as a full-back option. He was signed to fill the void of Trent Alexander-Arnold and despite his eye-catching performances further forward, the Netherlands international could be in line for a sustained run in the rearguard. That will mean that Chiesa is required, which might end talk of a possible return to Juventus.
Ramsay retained
It has been a frustrating few years for Calvin Ramsay since he joined from Aberdeen for a fee of £4.2 million in 2022. He arrived with plenty of excitement, having played 39 times for the Dons as an 18-year-old. Yet injuries have hampered the one-cap Scotland international, while he has had disappointing loan spells at Preston, Bolton, Wigan and Kilmarnock.
To his credit, Ramsay was one of the few players who caught the eye in a 3-0 Carabao Cup loss to Crystal Palace in October. Some supporters felt he deserved more chances, especially when Frimpong was sidelined.
Ramsay has been a regular on the bench for Slot’s side, most recently at Arsenal. But the 22-year-old has not been used since the Palace defeat. Under-21s boss Rob Page confirmed in November that the plan was to get Ramsay a loan move as he bids to get his career back on track. Yet that might be shelved as he could have to provide cover.
Defender to arrive
If there is one crumb of comfort about Bradley’s setback, it is that it’s happened in the middle of a transfer window.
Had he sustained his issue this time next month, Liverpool would be stuck. However, they have the opportunity to possibly bring in a replacement.
It does not mean the Reds would change their transfer policy drastically. A deal might only be made if it makes sense for the short, medium and long term. The situation is different to 2021 when Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez were all ruled out with serious injuries and left Liverpool with no centre-backs.
The obvious name is Marc Guehi, who the Reds went agonisingly close to signing in the summer. Crystal Palace pulled the plug at the 11th hour after a £35 million fee was agreed. However, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has suggested that the club are willing to sell Guehi, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Should Liverpool make a renewed moved and be successful, with Manchester City monitoring the situation, it could see Gomez regarded as a full-back for the rest of the campaign.
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