Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley has been sidelined since undergoing surgery after a serious knee injury in January
Conor Bradley of Liverpool
Conor Bradley of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View Image
Northern Ireland expect to be without Conor Bradley until next year as the Liverpool defender continues his long recovery to full fitness.
Bradley has been absent since suffering a serious knee injury at Arsenal in early January that resulted in surgery to repair significant bone and ligament damage.
The right-back was pictured this summer in the gym at the AXA Training Centre undergoing an individual rehabilitation programme and was among the injured players included on the pre-season tour to the United States.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola hinted on Thursday morning Bradley remains some way from making a return to full team training.
And Northern Ireland head coach Michael O'Neill has resigned himself to being without his captain for both the extended international break later this month and his country's November fixtures.
"Conor is where I expected him to be," said O'Neill. "I knew the injury was going to take longer than maybe some people were thinking.
"He's making good progress. It has to be managed very, very carefully, an injury of that nature. He's just become a dad as well so he's got other things to worry about as well, so congratulations to him.
"But Conor will be with us when he is ready and fit, and we'll be delighted to have him back."
Asked if Bradley may not be available for Northern Ireland again this year, O'Neill added: "I think I'm comfortable with that.
"If we see him this side of Christmas, it will be a real bonus but if not then we look forward to March (international games)."