Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has provided an update on Liverpool defender Conor Bradley ahead of the upcoming international break.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since January with a knee ligament injury suffered in a 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
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Bradley has made steady progress but is still some way from returning to first-team action. Andoni Iraola confirmed this week that the right-back is training alone and has started working with the ball, but is not yet close to returning to team training.
“He’s not close to training with the team,” Iraola said on Monday: “He’s training alone, but he started touching the ball. Definitely, I want him [back] as quick as possible already.”
Conor Bradley will therefore miss Northern Ireland’s upcoming Nations League matches against Georgia and Hungary. O’Neill said Bradley is progressing well but was never expected to be fit for the upcoming international window.
“I think that’s for Liverpool to comment on,” the Northern Ireland boss told the media. “Whatever Andoni said is 100% true, they’ve him every day.
“I’m in touch with Conor, he’s progressing well, but we didn’t expect him to be fit for this window. He’s in great hands at Liverpool and we know that he’s progressing well.”
Bradley’s absence at right-back has left Iraola with a selection dilemma this season. Jeremie Frimpong was signed 12 months ago following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, but injuries have limited his impact and he is yet to fully convince in the role.
Liverpool also signed Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo on loan this summer. Traditionally a centre-back, Araujo has also featured at right-back and impressed in the position.
His versatility has provided Liverpool with defensive security while Bradley continues his recovery, reducing the need to rush the Northern Irishman back.
Liverpool will want Bradley fully fit for the long term rather than risk an early return. His previous struggles with injuries will also influence how Iraola manages his comeback. Ball work is therefore an encouraging milestone, but it does not mean a return is imminent.
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