Liverpool supporters did not get their wish in the transfer market, as the Reds failed to replace the injured Conor Bradley.
The Northern Irishman was injured while kicking the ball out of play against Arsenal in January and was initially diagnosed as being likely to miss the rest of the season.
While that was bad enough in itself, rumours began circulating on Wednesday to suggest that Bradley may in fact be out for even longer.
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Knee injuries can tend to sideline footballers for a long time, and there was real worry that the Liverpool right-back could be missing for up to a year.
Thankfully, the Daily Mail have stepped in to debunk the whisperings, confirming that Bradley is still on course to return for the 2026/27 season.
Conor Bradley expecting to return for 26/27
Injuries have plagued Bradley during his time in the Liverpool first-team so far, and a big problem would be another setback for him on his path to becoming a regular starter.
While it is not especially good news per se, the Mail have confirmed that it is not the case that the 22-year-old is going to miss longer than first projected.
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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There is said to be no specific timeline for the injury, although Bradley himself is reportedly preparing to be fit for the start of the next campaign.
Encouragingly, the Northern Ireland international is also claimed to have not yet been fully ruled out of the World Cup next summer, should his country navigate the play-offs.
Bradley is said to have undergone a routine check-up this week, and seemingly remains on track for a summer comeback.
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Liverpool still need a new right-back
Even if Bradley does return in time for next season, as is expected, Liverpool should be looking to the market for a new right-back.
Zeki Celik of Roma is reportedly on the Reds’ radar as a free transfer signing and he could be a good option to take the pressure off Bradley.
Jeremie Frimpong is still around, of course, but the arrival of a natural right-back such as Celik would mean the Dutchman can feature more regularly in his preferred forward position.
In terms of Bradley, he could still be the long-term right-back Liverpool have been searching for since Trent Alexander-Arnold, but his fitness problems are becoming a genuine concern.
He’ll have the chance to put things right again next season, but he must be given some additional support to ensure Liverpool are not left short once again.
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