Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has said he expects Conor Bradley to play some role in the country’s upcoming games against Luxembourg and Germany next month, and added the defender could be in line to make his Liverpool return soon.

The 22-year-old has missed the Reds’ opening two matches of the season due to a knock sustained over the summer, stalling the start of what should be a promising campaign following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.

But he is nearing a return to the Liverpool squad, and Arne Slot confirmed on Thursday that the right-back had trained for a “few minutes.” It seems unlikely he’ll be available to start against Newcastle United on Monday, especially with Slot referencing how Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez are options on the right flank, but a cameo off the bench seems possible.



Read More.

Liverpool handed huge blow with new star out until AFTER the international break with hamstring injury	Liverpool’s Frimpong out until after international break with hamstring injury	'We anticipate': Liverpool given timely injury boost as international manager confirms return to fitness

The following weekend’s clash against Arsenal may offer a potential return to the line-up, and the need for Bradley’s involvement has been made more pressing with Jeremie Frimpong ruled out through injury until September.

O’Neill, who selected Bradley for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, has said he will be “mindful” of the Liverpool star’s fitness when he meets up with the international group after the Arsenal fixture.

“Conor's good,” the Northern Ireland boss said in Thursday’s press conference

“You know he'd be frustrated because his pre-season, I think was going very well and, like anything, there's such competition at a club like Liverpool that you don't want to be injured because you have to try and find your way back into the team.



Bradley hasn't played for Liverpool since July 30

There are so many games with the Premier League season and the start of the Champions League.

“We just have to be mindful of where Conor's at physically when we look at him in these two games, but we anticipate that he'll be ready to play, and we'll obviously have the dialogue with Liverpool to get their thoughts on that as well.

“Hopefully Conor can get minutes before we meet up on Sunday week.”

Injuries have been a recurring problem for Bradley in the last two seasons since stepping up to the first-team squad and, despite playing 29 times last term, he missed spells with four separate issues.

In May, after the news of Alexander-Arnold’s exit had been announced, Slot admitted Bradley needs to improve his injury record.

“Very talented player, Conor; unfortunately, hasn’t been fit through the season,” said the Liverpool head coach.

“To become a very good player, you have to be available every week and that is the first step he has to take next season, but we have confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool and that is already what he has shown.”

Despite Frimpong’s arrival this summer, there is an expectation at Liverpool that Bradley will be given plenty of opportunity to impress.

“The experience I have - and this club as well - is that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up, and that is probably what is going to happen now,” said Slot at the end of last season.


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.