Liverpool’s injury concerns have increased despite the Premier League season ending a week ago, with news that Conor Bradley is more seriously injured than first reported.
In January, Braldey fell to the pitch in a heap, clutching his left knee after an awkward landing while clearing the ball against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The moment first made headlines for the poor behaviour from Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, who threw the ball at the injured Bradley and then pushed him off the pitch while he was waiting for treatment from the Liverpool medical staff.
In an attempt to restart play quickly in the closing moments, Gabriel Martinelli tried to move Conor Bradley off the pitch while he was down injured. pic.twitter.com/VyazI4vqqY
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 8, 2026
However, the reality that he had suffered a serious knee injury was soon realised, making Martinelli’s antics all the more embarrassing.
This was five months ago. Bradley’s injury required surgery, ruling him out of any more football in 2025-26. Now, it is being reported that the injury is more serious than was initially reported.
Conor Bradley’s knee injury is ‘far worse than expected’
Liverpool are now planning for a post-Arne Slot era after the Dutchman was sacked by FSG on Saturday, but the incoming manager will now need to contend with Bradley’s serious injury.
In an exclusive shared to X late on Saturday evening, journalist Chris Williams reports that Bradley is facing a situation ‘with wider ramifications if proven.’
His post reads: “Information tonight from within IFA, via LFC, that Conor Bradley’s injury is far worse than reported.
“With wider ramifications if proven. Whoever comes in as the new Liverpool head coach, a RB is now a massive priority.”
? EXCL: Information tonight from within IFA, via LFC, that Conor Bradley’s injury is far worse than reported. With wider ramifications if proven. Whoever comes in as the new Liverpool head coach, a RB is now a massive priority.
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) May 30, 2026
Liverpool need to make signing a top right back a priority
While FSG made the right decision to bring an end to Slot’s time at the club, the Dutchman was right to bemoan his injury crisis this season, with the absence of serious right back options a major factor in the underperformance of 2025-26 season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold lef the club to join Real Madrid in the summer, with his replacement, Jeremie Frimpong, not good enough to replace a player widely considered to be the best in his position.
Frimpong also had his issues with injury this season, meaning Dominik Szoboszlai had to play 10 games at right back. To his credit, he did a wonderful job.
Liverpool have been linked with a move to sign Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, but time will tell if this is just paper talk.