Paul Joyce outlines why Liverpool must move forward without Bradley.

 

 

Liverpool’s trip to north London featured a moment that quickly overshadowed the 0-0 draw at the Emirates. What should have been remembered as a disciplined stalemate is now defined by Conor Bradley’s absence for the rest of the season. According to Paul Joyce, Northern Football Correspondent for The Times, the 22-year-old sustained a serious knee injury late in the game against Arsenal.

Thankfully, Bradley avoided an ACL tear, but scans revealed significant ligament and bone damage, with surgery planned in the coming days. Images of him leaving the Emirates on crutches with a knee brace sparked immediate concern—fears that have now been confirmed. Joyce noted that while the injury isn’t career-threatening, it’s a “cruel blow” for both the player and Arne Slot’s squad at a critical stage of the season.

Slot has already been dealing with long-term absences, including Giovanni Leoni earlier in the campaign and Alexander Isak, who is still recovering from a broken leg. Bradley had become a key figure at right-back, offering energy, aggression, and tactical discipline, and his loss further reduces defensive options.

The coach is likely to rely on Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong as replacements, though Slot has often deployed the Dutch right-back further up the field, where his pace has proven decisive. This situation raises familiar concerns about squad balance, workload, and risk management, especially considering Gomez’s own injury history.

The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating for Bradley, who has struggled with interrupted seasons throughout his career. Transfermarkt data shows he has missed over 270 days of football across the past three seasons due to various injuries, with this latest knee issue now the most serious.

There are also international implications, as Joyce cautioned that it is “too early” to determine whether Bradley will be available if Northern Ireland qualify for this summer’s World Cup. Much of the post-match discussion initially focused on Gabriel Martinelli’s role in the incident, which later prompted a public apology from the Arsenal winger.

Ultimately, the priority now is recovery and careful management, with the hope that this setback becomes a defining moment in a promising career rather than another unfortunate interruption.