Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a significant knee injury during his team’s goalless draw against Arsenal on Thursday.
The club confirmed the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international will undergo surgery in the coming days to address the damage, delivering a major blow to manager Arne Slot’s plans.
Scans revealed Bradley suffered damage to both the bone and ligaments in his left knee, though he avoided an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Liverpool stated there is “no timeframe being placed” on his return, but multiple reports confirm his domestic campaign is over.
The injury also casts doubt on his availability for Northern Ireland’s upcoming World Cup play-off against Italy in March and potentially the tournament itself should his nation qualify.
The incident, which occurred in stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium, was compounded by Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli’s reaction. Believing Bradley was time-wasting, Martinelli threw the ball at the prone defender and attempted to push him off the pitch, sparking a confrontation between players.
Martinelli was booked for the action and later issued a public apology on social media, stating, “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment”.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed understanding but disappointment, noting, “I’m 100 per cent sure if he knew what the injury might be, he wouldn’t do that”.
The injury exacerbates a defensive crisis for Liverpool, marking the third long-term absentee this season following ACL damage to Giovanni Leoni and a broken leg for Alexander Isak. Bradley had emerged as a key figure, making 21 appearances this season and seen as the natural successor following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
His absence leaves Slot with limited options at right-back, likely relying on Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez, both of whom have faced their own injury issues this term.
Former professionals were vocal in their criticism of Martinelli’s actions. Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane labelled the behaviour “an absolute disgrace,” while Gary Neville called it “disgraceful” during his commentary. Daniel Sturridge added, “It’s disrespectful. It’s probably worse than disrespectful”.
Despite the outcry, the Football Association will not take further disciplinary action as the incident was addressed by the referee during the match.
For Bradley, this is another setback in a young career already disrupted by injuries. As he faces surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, Liverpool must navigate a packed schedule across the Premier League and Champions League with a significantly depleted defensive unit.