Liverpool and Northern Ireland star Conor Bradley. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Wire)placeholder image
Liverpool and Northern Ireland star Conor Bradley. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Northern Ireland star Conor Bradley insists “the comeback starts now” after revealing he has undergone surgery on a knee injury which will keep him out for the reason of this season.
In a crushing blow for both his country and Liverpool, Bradley will be sidelined for months following a “significant” injury sustained in the closing stages of last week’s Premier League draw against Arsenal.
The 22-year-old will miss Northern Ireland’s World Cup semi-final play-off trip to Italy – and the decider against Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina should Michael O’Neill’s men progress.
Bradley had made 15 Premier League appearances for the reigning champions this term and featured five times in the Champions League, producing a sensational performance in the Reds’ victory over Real Madrid.
Having had an operation to correct the issue, Bradley is fully focused on recovery and looking forward to making his return.
"A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now,” he posted on Instagram. "It won't be for a little while but I already can't wait to get back playing for Liverpool FC and Northern Ireland. Thanks for all the support."
A number of Bradley’s Liverpool teammates sent their support underneath his social media post with Ibrahima Konate saying “you will come back stronger my little brother” while Andrew Robertson added “comeback starts now mate”.
His absence is a major setback for Northern Ireland’s World Cup ambitions with former striker Gerry Armstrong labelling Bradley as a “key player”.
"It is a big blow for Northern Ireland in terms of World Cup qualifying,” he said. "Whilst it gives an opportunity for others, he’s inspirational and everyone knows what he can do.
"I would advise Conor to keep focused and get fit as soon as he’s healthy. Things can change very quickly and he’ll be progressing every week in his recovery and he will notice that.
"Conor will be getting world-class treatment at Liverpool, he’s still a young man and I’ve no doubt that he will recover quick.
"I remember breaking my ankle and was told I’d be back in six months...but I managed to return in three. Fingers-crossed Conor can return quickly as being injured in the worst thing for a footballer.”