Image Credits: Imago Images
Conor Bradley has provided a positive injury update on his knee issue. The full-backs devastating season-ending knee injury against Arsenal means that Arne Slot’s management and squad depth will be tested in the second half of the season. But the implications extend far beyond Merseyside.
Northern Ireland faces an absolutely crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in March 2026, with qualification for the tournament hanging in the balance. As things stand, Bradley will miss those play-offs.
However, in a more positive note, the Northern Ireland defender has confirmed that his surgery has now been complete and can start the long road to recovery. Taking to Instagram, he wrote:
“A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now,” the 22-year-old wrote.
“It won’t be for a little while, but I already can’t wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland.
“Thanks for all the support”
Unfortunately for Bradley, the knee injury against Arsenal represents just the latest chapter in what has been a frustratingly stop-start campaign marred by recurring fitness issues.
The 22-year-old began the season battling a hamstring problem that disrupted his preseason preparations and delayed his integration into Arne Slot’s plans.
That hamstring complaint forced him to miss several matches in the opening months of the campaign. Bradley also came back with a knock during Northern Ireland’s final World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg in Belfast in late November.
According to Transfermarkt data, Bradley has now missed over 270 days of football across the last three seasons due to various injuries.
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