Liverpool confirm Conor Bradley injury fears as young star set for surgery

Liverpool have confirmed that young defender Conor Bradley has suffered a significant knee injury which will rule him out for the rest of the current season. The injury was sustained during the recent goalless draw against Arsenal, after which scans revealed both bone and ligament damage that requires surgical intervention.

Club medical staff have decided that Bradley must undergo knee surgery in the coming days to properly repair the damage and protect his long‑term prospects. While the injury is serious, Liverpool have stressed that it is not an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, a small but important consolation as ACL problems can mean even longer recovery times and possible complications for a young player’s career.

As a consequence, Bradley is now expected to miss the remainder of Liverpool’s season, dealing a blow both to Jürgen Klopp’s defensive options and to the player’s own momentum after breaking into the first‑team picture. The timing is also a major setback on the international stage, with the defender ruled out of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play‑off campaign, including their high‑profile tie against Italy in March.

Inside the club, there is clear disappointment at losing a versatile and energetic young full‑back just as he was establishing himself. However, Liverpool are said to be focused on ensuring Bradley’s full recovery, viewing the operation and subsequent rehabilitation as an investment in a player they believe can play a significant role in the team’s future. The expectation is that he will spend the coming months in an intensive recovery programme supervised closely by Liverpool’s medical and fitness staff.

While no exact return date has been placed on Bradley, the hope is that by addressing the issue decisively now, he will be able to start next season fully fit and ready to compete again at both club and international level.