Liverpool’s defensive options have suffered a significant blow as young right-back Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season following a serious injury setback.
The club has confirmed that Bradley sustained major ligament and bone damage, an issue severe enough to require surgical intervention. Reports indicate the procedure is scheduled for mid-January 2026, bringing an abrupt end to what had promised to be an important campaign for the academy graduate.
Medical assessments suggest the Northern Irish defender will face a four to six-month rehabilitation period. With recovery expected to run from February through May, Bradley is unlikely to return to competitive action before the season concludes. Liverpool are instead targeting a cautious comeback, with full team training tentatively set for early summer, assuming there are no setbacks.
Rather than rushing his return, the club’s medical team is prioritising long-term fitness. The plan is for Bradley to be fully prepared for pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with August marked as a realistic timeline for his full reintegration.
Despite being regarded as one of Liverpool’s most exciting young defenders in recent years, injuries have continued to interrupt Bradley’s progress. Previous fitness issues, including back problems and muscle setbacks, have limited his consistency and opportunities at senior level — making this latest injury particularly frustrating.
For head coach Arne Slot, Bradley’s absence adds pressure to an already stretched defence, forcing increased reliance on the remaining options as Liverpool continue to juggle domestic and European commitments.
The hope around Anfield is that a successful operation and a full, uninterrupted pre-season will finally allow the 22-year-old to put his injury struggles behind him and reignite his upward trajectory. 🔴✨
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