Liverpool star ready to step up after Conor Bradley injury as transfer decision vindicated

Liverpool Star Ready to Step Up After Conor Bradley Injury as Transfer Decision Vindicated

Conor Bradley, Liverpool's first-choice right-back since Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure, has suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 0-0 draw at Arsenal, sidelining the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international for the remainder of the 2025-26 domestic campaign.[1][2] The injury involves significant ligament and bone damage—avoiding ACL rupture—but requires surgery, with no official return timeline. Bradley, who started 12 Premier League games this season, is a doubt for Northern Ireland's World Cup play-offs, including the March 26 semi-final in Italy.[1][2]

Despite the blow, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has no plans to enter the January transfer market for short-term cover, adhering to the club's policy against panic buys.[1] Slot described the injury as an "enormous blow" for both Bradley and the team, noting his reluctance to deploy midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back again, despite previous emergency uses against Newcastle, Arsenal, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray.[1][2]

The key star ready to step up is Calvin Ramsay, whose potential loan to Scottish clubs has been scrapped following Bradley's injury.[2] The 22-year-old academy product, who has regained fitness and featured on the senior bench recently, is now set to provide depth. This decision vindicates Liverpool's summer business, particularly the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, who started at right-back in the recent FA Cup win over Barnsley—his first outing there since Bradley's injury.[1][2] Versatile Joe Gomez remains the primary backup, capable across the backline during his 11-year tenure, though he's also covering for long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni at center-back.[1][2] Curtis Jones has occasionally filled in but struggled in high-profile games like the Champions League loss to PSV.[1]

While one report mentions interest in Feyenoord's Givairo Read, the consensus is internal solutions suffice, with hopes Bradley returns for pre-season and potentially the World Cup if Northern Ireland qualifies.[1][3] Amara Nallo is still expected to depart on loan after new defender Mor Talla Ndiaye's arrival.[2]

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