Conor Bradley Finally Speaks Out on Explosive Gabriel Martinelli Clash
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has had surgery on the knee injury sustained during last week's dramatic 1–1 stalemate against Arsenal, describing his recent setback as a "major disappointment."
Bradley landed awkwardly while trying to clear the ball near the match's conclusion, which led to controversy when Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli aggressively attempted to pull him off the field, apparently unaware of how serious the injury was.
The Brazilian forward subsequently apologized after his actions and behavior faced widespread criticism.
After media reports in subsequent days revealed "substantial" damage to ligaments and bone, Liverpool supporters were already bracing for Bradley to miss the remainder of this campaign.
However, now that his rehabilitation can commence following the surgical procedure, he's attempting to maintain a positive outlook about the coming months and healing journey.
"A major disappointment but surgery is complete so the recovery begins now," the fullback shared on Instagram.
"It won't be for some time but I'm already eager to return to action for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Grateful for all the support," he continued.
Liverpool Players Fully Behind Their Teammate
Liverpool Players Fully Behind Their Teammate
Several of Bradley's teammates offered their support through comments on his social media post.
Giovanni Leoni, who is also out long-term due to an ACL injury sustained just weeks after his arrival at the club last summer, replied with two heart emojis and one flexed bicep emoji.
Stefan Bajčetić, another player who has faced injury struggles, commented: "We stand with you, brother."
There were further encouraging messages from Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Ibrahima Konaté, with the latter calling Bradley his "little brother." Caoimhín Kelleher, Jarrel Quansah, Neco Williams and Kostas Tsimikas were also among former Liverpool teammates who posted supportive comments.
Bradley's Injury Record Holds Him Back
Bradley's Injury Record Holds Him Back
Since breaking into Liverpool's first team, Bradley has consistently faced injury challenges. He made his full Premier League bow in January 2024, though it could have happened much earlier if a back injury hadn't sidelined him for the season's opening months.
He subsequently dealt with hamstring and other muscular problems in 2024–25 and had already missed time this season before this latest knee setback. In total, Bradley has been absent for 58 Liverpool matches over the past two-and-a-half years, a figure that could reach over 80 across a three-season span in the coming months during his recovery period.
At a time when Liverpool needs someone to step into Trent Alexander-Arnold's role—with summer acquisition Jeremie Frimpong recently deployed as a forward—it's an extremely disappointing moment for Bradley to face another injury layoff.