Liverpool were dealt a third big injury blow of the season this week after Conor Bradley was confirmed to be missing for the rest of the season.
The right-back has thankfully avoided the dreaded ACL tear after jarring his knee against Arsenal last Thursday, but will not play again until 2026/27.
Bradley’s absence follows a season-ender for Giovanni Leoni in September and a two to three month issue picked up by Alexander Isak in December.
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What does Arne Slot need to do vs Burnley to keep Liverpool fans off his back?
Andrew Robertson of Liverpool applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield.
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
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The lengthy problems added to the feeling that Liverpool have been – and continue to be – desperately unlucky with injuries throughout the campaign.
However, as Arne Slot detailed on Friday while looking ahead to the Reds’ clash with Burnley on Saturday, this is not actually the case. He may be missing three important players, but otherwise, Slot has a full Liverpool squad to pick from.
Liverpool’s injury issues are not bad at all
The narrative surrounding Liverpool’s disappointing season so far has been that injuries have played a decisive role.
While the likes of Leoni, Bradley and Isak have had terrible luck, though, and others have missed games along the way, Slot confirmed on Friday that they are currently in a good place.
Gabriel Martinelli appeals while Liverpool's Conor Bradley sits injured during the Premier League match between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium.
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“We’ve got a few injuries,” he said when asked for an update on availability for the Burnley match.
“We’ve got Giovanni Leoni out for the season, Conor Bradley out for the season and Alexander Isak out for multiple months. But for the rest, everyone is available.”
After weeks of feeling like Liverpool were piecing together squads, there are no longer any more excuses for Slot. The Reds could do with all three of those players being back, but this is no injury crisis.
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Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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No more injury excuses for Arne Slot
Even while he was explaining the extent of Liverpool’s problems on Friday, Slot seemed to be suggesting that his squad has been somewhat decimated.
However, the surprise truth is that this is not the case at all. At any one time a Premier League manager should be able to account for three injuries within his squad.
Only Isak is a guaranteed starter when everyone is fit, with both Bradley and Leoni younger players who have still not established themselves completely in the regular XI.
That Liverpool feel to be struggling so much is partly down to Slot’s preference of working with a small squad, meaning the injuries take on greater importance than they really should.
Either way, it is good news that Liverpool currently have most of their squad available for what could be another grind against Burnley this weekend. Expectations have been lowered to the point where fans may even be fearing a trip to Anfield for Scott Parker’s side. However, a lack of availability should not have anything to do with that.
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