Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been sidelined for a prolonged period after sustaining a severe knee injury during the clash with Arsenal.
The 22-year-old was carried off on a stretcher in North London on Thursday in the dying moments of the goalless stalemate with the Gunners. The Northern Ireland international collapsed clutching his left leg after trying to clear a loose ball in what appeared to be an innocuous incident at the Emirates Stadium.
He seemed to roll his ankle before his knee twisted awkwardly, but it has now been revealed that he has suffered a substantial injury.
An injured soccer player, wearing a white and red uniform, is being attended to by medical staff on the field, while spectators watch from the stands in the background.
Bradley suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal (Image: AP)
The Liverpool full-back will undergo surgery in the next few days. While scans revealed no tear to his anterior cruciate ligament, there was damage to his bone and ligaments.
In a statement, the club said: "Liverpool FC can confirm Conor Bradley has sustained a significant knee injury.
"The right-back suffered the issue in the latter stages of Thursday night's Premier League fixture away at Arsenal. Bradley will undergo surgery in the coming days and then begin a period of rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre.
"No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage of the process."
The incident that led to Bradley's injury overshadowed a battle between the Premier League leaders and the champions after Gabriel Martinelli attempted to aggressively shove the Northern Irishman away.
With Arsenal desperately seeking a winner in added time, Martinelli threw the ball at his fallen opponent before attempting to bundle him off the pitch, so play could resume.
The Brazilian's behaviour infuriated the Liverpool squad and medical team, with Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister getting involved in the brawl as they made their outrage clear at his conduct.
Martinelli subsequently issued an apology to Bradley, stating he was "deeply sorry" for shoving the Liverpool defender off the field.
In a message posted on his Instagram story, he revealed: "Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.
"I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery."