I’m really looking forward to seeing Conor Bradley back in a Liverpool shirt, but I think we need to be patient with this one.
The latest update suggests his recovery could still require more time than we would like. However, there is one detail that gives Liverpool supporters a little reason for optimism.
Bradley has been included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, and there is still hope he could play some part before January.
That doesn’t mean his return is imminent, but it does suggest Liverpool have not completely ruled out the possibility of him contributing during the coming months.
And, with the situation at right-back still worth keeping an eye on, that would be a very welcome development.
Bradley has had a long road back
Bradley has been working his way back from a serious knee injury suffered against Arsenal in January, which required surgery.
It has been a frustrating absence for a player who had become an increasingly important option for Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola provided an update in September, explaining that Bradley was still training individually and had only recently started touching the ball again.
The Liverpool manager was clear that there was still work to do before Bradley could return to team training.
That is why I wouldn’t get carried away by the latest reports.
Being able to work with the ball is a positive step, but it is not the same as being ready to train fully, let alone play a competitive match.
Bradley still needs to complete the necessary stages of his rehabilitation and rebuild his match fitness.
Liverpool cannot afford to rush him.
Why his return could be important for Iraola
I think Bradley’s return could make a real difference to Liverpool’s options.
Jeremie Frimpong offers plenty of pace and attacking threat, while Ronald Araújo has provided greater defensive security when used at right-back.
But Bradley brings something different.
He is aggressive in the challenge, willing to get forward and capable of providing the energy Liverpool need on that side of the pitch.
He also knows the club and understands what is expected of him.
For Iraola, having Bradley available again would give him another option rather than forcing him to rely on the same players throughout a demanding season.
And with Liverpool competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, squad depth matters.
I certainly wouldn’t expect Bradley to walk straight back into the starting XI after such a long absence. He would need time to get up to speed.
But having him available again would be a significant boost.
The Champions League squad detail is encouraging
The fact Bradley was included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad is worth noting.
Liverpool also included other injured players, including Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, when submitting their squad for the league phase. The club has previously explained that such selections reflected hope that those players could contribute later in the campaign.
It is not a guarantee that Bradley will return before January, of course.
But it does leave the door open.
And if his rehabilitation progresses well over the next few weeks, Liverpool could potentially have another useful player available as the season develops.
For now, the priority has to be getting him back to full fitness rather than setting an exact date.
I’m excited to see him back – whenever that is
I have always liked Bradley’s attitude.
He doesn’t hide from a challenge, and he plays with an intensity that Liverpool supporters appreciate.
He is still young enough to have plenty of development ahead of him, too.
The worst thing would be for Liverpool to bring him back too soon, only for him to suffer another setback.
So, while I would love to see him return before January, I would rather wait a little longer and know that he is genuinely ready.
Liverpool need Conor Bradley fit, not just available.
If he can make a contribution before the turn of the year, brilliant. If his recovery takes longer, the club must give him the time he needs.
There is no point risking his longer-term future for a few extra appearances now.
For the moment, the signs offer some hope, but we should keep our expectations realistic.
Bradley still has work to do.
And when he finally returns to the pitch, I suspect Liverpool fans will be delighted to see him back where he belongs.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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