“Comeback starts now” – Conor Bradley undergoes successful knee surgery

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has successfully undergone knee surgery following a significant season-ending injury sustained during the closing stages of the Reds' goalless Premier League draw at Arsenal last Thursday. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international was carried off on a stretcher after an awkward clearance attempt caused ligament and bone damage, avoiding a dreaded ACL tear but still sidelining him until the 2026-27 season.[1][2][3][5]

In an uplifting Instagram post on Wednesday, Bradley declared, "A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now." He added, "It won’t be for a little while but I already can’t wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Thanks for all the support." The right-back, who has made 21 appearances this season despite prior hamstring issues and holds 30 caps for his country, now begins rehabilitation at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre with no firm return timeframe.[1][3][4]

The injury incident drew controversy, as Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli apologized for throwing the ball at Bradley and attempting to push him off the pitch while he lay injured at Emirates Stadium.[3] Bradley faces a race to be fit for this summer’s World Cup if Northern Ireland qualifies via March play-offs, though Liverpool hopes for his pre-season readiness.[3][5]

Liverpool has no plans to sign right-back cover in the January window, relying on depth like Jeremie Frimpong (who replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold after his summer exit), despite his own hamstring troubles, and emergency options Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.[5] The club emphasizes avoiding panic buys for short-term needs.[5]

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