Image source: bbc.com
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the domestic season after suffering a significant knee injury involving damage to bone and ligament during Thursday’s 0-0 Premier League draw at Arsenal, with the 22-year-old requiring surgery in the coming days.
Conor Bradley Ruled Out for Rest of Season After Suffering Knee Injury at Arsenal
The Northern Ireland international was forced off during stoppage time at Emirates Stadium after landing awkwardly near the touchline when chasing the ball. Bradley left the ground on crutches and with a knee brace, with subsequent medical examination revealing the extent of the damage that will require surgical intervention.
The injury is not related to his anterior cruciate ligament, but the severity means Bradley will miss the remainder of Liverpool’s domestic campaign. The full-back is also now a major doubt for the World Cup should Northern Ireland qualify, with the injury ruling him out of their difficult play-off semi-final in Italy on 26 March and any subsequent play-off final.
The incident was overshadowed by Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli’s controversial actions when Bradley was down injured. Martinelli dropped the ball on his opponent before shoving him in the back in an attempt to get him off the playing surface to allow the game to continue, sparking a melee between the two sets of players with both Martinelli and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate receiving yellow cards.
Former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Roy Keane were highly critical of Martinelli on Sky Sports, with Neville describing his actions as “absolutely disgraceful” and calling the Arsenal winger an “idiot”. Martinelli later apologised on Instagram, posting: “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment. I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Since Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid in the summer, Bradley has been Liverpool’s first choice right-back, starting 12 of their Premier League games this season. Manager Arne Slot’s potential alternatives are limited with Joe Gomez able to play there, while the more likely option is Jeremie Frimpong, who has been performing further forward down the right flank in recent weeks.
