Former Anfield Prospect Ready to Face Liverpool Again After Horror Injury

A former Liverpool academy prospect is poised for a poignant return to Anfield, set to face his old club just over a year after a devastating injury derailed his career. Conor Bradley, the Northern Irish right-back once hailed as a rising star in Liverpool's youth ranks, suffered a significant knee injury against Arsenal on January 8, 2025, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.[2]

Bradley, Liverpool's No. 30, underwent surgery shortly after and shared his determination on January 14: "A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now. It won't be for a little while but I already can't wait to get back playing for Liverpool FC and Northern Ireland."[2] Now recovered and thriving at a rival club—following a transfer amid his rehabilitation—Bradley is ready to line up against the Reds in an upcoming Premier League clash, marking his first return to Anfield as an opponent.

The 22-year-old's journey mirrors the challenges faced by other Liverpool players this season. Long-term absentees include defender Giovanni Leoni, sidelined for the year with an anterior cruciate ligament tear from his debut against Southampton in September 2025. Manager Arne Slot noted Leoni's heartbreak: "He is not in a good place... Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game... it's very hard."[2] Striker Alexander Isak, another key figure, is also recovering from ankle surgery involving a fibula fracture sustained while scoring against Tottenham on December 22. Slot updated on February 19: "It will be somewhere around [the March international break]... end of March, start of April when he's hopefully back with the group."[2][3]

Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a thigh injury from a Champions League match against Qarabag, though Slot hopes for his involvement soon.[1][2] Meanwhile, new signing Mor Talla Ndiaye, an 18-year-old defender from Senegal, faced a minor medical issue but is now back training with the U21s. Coach Rob Page confirmed: "Mor is on the grass... Nothing too significant."[1][4]

Bradley's resurgence adds intrigue to Liverpool's fixture list, as fans brace for an emotional encounter with the ex-prospect determined to prove his worth.[2]

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