Liverpool Star Conor Bradley Faces Lengthy Sideline After Crushing Injury Diagnosis

Liverpool have announced that right-back Conor Bradley will require surgery for a "serious" knee injury that could potentially conclude his campaign.

The 22-year-old defender was carried off on a stretcher during the final moments of his team's goalless stalemate against Arsenal after falling to the ground while trying to make a clearance.

Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli appeared skeptical of Bradley's condition and tried to push the injured player away from the pitch in an effort to resume play. This sparked a heated confrontation on the field, and the Brazilian winger has subsequently issued an apology for his behavior.

Martinelli's actions now appear even more inappropriate following Liverpool's confirmation that Bradley has sustained a severe knee injury requiring surgical intervention.

The club has not provided additional specifics or established a timeline for Bradley's return to competitive action.

Nevertheless, The Times reports that Bradley's season is effectively over. Although he has escaped the feared anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, "substantial damage to ligaments and bone" means the defender faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.

Liverpool's Defensive Options Continue to Thin Out

This marks Liverpool's third major injury setback this campaign, having previously lost Giovanni Leoni to an ACL problem and Alexander Isak to a leg fracture.

The defensive unit represents Arne Slot's biggest headache, as the injuries to Leoni and Bradley have severely depleted the Reds' backline depth.

Jeremie Frimpong, the summer acquisition brought in to succeed Trent Alexander-Arnold, remains the sole established right-back in the first-team roster. While he has frequently operated in advanced positions this term, he will likely revert to his intended defensive role moving forward, with 22-year-old Calvin Ramsay also expected to contribute more significantly.

At center-back, Slot can only rely on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and the adaptable Joe Gomez, with the latter potentially required to provide cover on the right flank as well.