Arne Slot will be hoping Conor Bradley is not showing Liverpool signs of what’s to come as the English champions prepare for the Community Shield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid left a Bradley-sized hole in the Reds’ squad, which the young full-back looked more than capable of filling after his performances deputising for his former teammate.
Indeed, Liverpool moved to sign Jeremie Frimpong to provide healthy competition for Bradley not long after Trent announced his decision to leave Anfield.
Bradley started pre-season impressively with a goal against Preston North End but after missing out on the double header against Athletic Bilbao on Monday, he is now doubtful to feature against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
Conor Bradley of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Preston North End and Liverpool at Deepdale
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
With the Reds exploring attacking targets in the final weeks of the transfer window, Slot has a back-up plan to keep his offensive line fresh which all depends on the fitness of Bradley.
‘Special’ Conor Bradley could cause Liverpool problems
Micah Richards dubbed Bradley as a “special” talent and rightfully so, the 22-year-old has proven every time he has stepped onto the pitch at Anfield that he has all the tools to develop into a world-class talent.
However, the African Cup of Nations always tends to cause problems for the Reds, with Mohamed Salah missing weeks of Premier League football when the competition rolls around.
Of course, no one at Liverpool would expect the Egyptian to forfeit the right to represent his country, it is just unfortunate the tournament takes place during the hectic January schedule.
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Nevertheless, Slot confirmed Frimpong can deputise for Salah as a contingency plan while the forward is off representing his country.
Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
This would depend on whether Bradley is fit and available at the time of AFCON as outside himself and Frimpong there is no other naturally suited right-back in the senior squad.
Joe Gomez can fill in when required but he too boasts an unreliable injury record and furthermore, the England international will miss the Community Shield after not featuring throughout the entirety of pre-season.
Liverpool could turn to Federico Chiesa or Ben Doak
While Gomez is a confirmed absentee for Sunday, Bradley is a “major” doubt to face Palace, further amplifying Slot’s concerns for the defender.
Slot will undoubtedly be concerned about whether Bradley can keep himself fit throughout the upcoming campaign, and question marks over his availability could have a domino effect.
Federico Chiesa is widely expected to leave Liverpool after struggling to nail down a starting berth in his maiden year on Merseyside.
Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Ben Doak also looks destined to leave Anfield – the 19-year-old produced an impressive display against Athletic Bilbao to put himself back on the radar of Premier League clubs.
While both would need to leave the Reds to earn the playing time they desire, it would be foolish for Slot to allow two quality depth options to walk away from the club.
Should Liverpool bolster the attacking line, it would be a straightforward decision to grant the pair an Anfield exit, but for the time being, sanctioning both sales is not worth the risk.