Conor Bradley Breaks Silence on Major Injury Setback as Liverpool Ace Confirms Surgery

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley has spoken out for the first time since sustaining a devastating knee injury during the closing moments of the Reds' 0-0 Premier League draw at Arsenal. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international collapsed while attempting a clearance near the touchline, prompting a stretcher to carry him off in visible distress, with his shirt pulled over his face.[1][2][3]

In an emotional statement shared via Liverpool's official channels, Bradley confirmed he will undergo surgery in the coming days to address significant damage to ligaments and bone in his left knee. While fears of a full anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear have been allayed, the injury is described as season-ending by multiple reports, ruling him out for the remainder of Liverpool's 2025-26 campaign.[1][2][5] "It's tough, but I'm determined to come back stronger," Bradley said, expressing gratitude for fan support and vowing to support the team from the sidelines during his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre. No specific return timeframe has been set, though pre-season fitness remains a target.[3][6]

The incident sparked controversy when Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli appeared to shove the prone defender, igniting an on-pitch brawl. Martinelli later apologized.[1][4] Manager Arne Slot called it a "big blow," fearing the worst upon seeing Bradley in a knee brace. Liverpool's defense is now critically thin: Giovanni Leoni is sidelined with an ACL tear until September 2026, and striker Alexander Isak nurses a broken leg.[2][5]

With Trent Alexander-Arnold long departed, Slot must rely on Jeremie Frimpong as the primary right-back option, alongside Calvin Ramsay, versatile Joe Gomez, and midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones in emergencies—options Slot admits he dislikes.[1][6][7] The club has no plans for January transfer reinforcements, prioritizing squad adaptation amid domestic and cup fixtures.[6]

Bradley, who featured 21 times this season despite a prior hamstring issue, leaves Northern Ireland's World Cup play-offs in March in doubt but holds slim hopes for the 2026 tournament.[2][4][5] Liverpool fans rally behind their promising academy product as he faces a lengthy recovery.

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