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Liverpool’s defensive depth faces its sternest test of the season, with both Conor Bradley and Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined simultaneously during a critical phase of the Premier League title charge.
The timing could hardly be worse for manager Arne Slot, whose side must navigate a congested April schedule without their first- and second-choice right-backs—a scenario compounded by Joe Gomez’s long-term absence.
Conor Bradley’s latest setback traces back to February, when the 21-year-old clutched his right hamstring during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
What initially appeared routine—a sprint toward the byline in the 84th minute—turned ominous as he immediately signaled for substitution.
This marks Bradley’s third significant injury of 2024/25:
November 2024: Hamstring strain vs. Real Madrid (8 matches missed)
December 2024: Recurrence during training (4 matches)
February 2025: Current tear (6 matches and counting)
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill captured the mood: “He’s frustrated, but his initial frustration has subsided. His focus is on getting fit for the season’s end”.
Bradley’s total absences now stand at 14 matches across all competitions, derailing a campaign where he’d emerged as Alexander-Arnold’s primary deputy.
Some tentative reports emerged to suggest that Bradley has been in training this week.
However, that was not full-team training, and the Athletic have now reported that Conor Bradley is ruled out of the Everton tie:
“Arne Slot’s title-chasing squad reconvened on Saturday after he gave his international contingent some time off following the end of their national team commitments last week,” James Pearce wrote.
“Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are also stepping up their recovery from respective hamstring injuries.”
“Bradley is the closer of the two to playing again but the game against Everton will come too soon for the Northern Irishman as he has yet to resume full training. Gomez has started doing some light running out on the grass.”
With Trent Alexander-Arnold also ruled out of the clash, we will surely see Jarell Quansah resume duties at right-back on Wednesday.
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