Injury expert reveals Liverpool’s Conor Bradley set to be out for LONGER than expected

Last Updated on 4 February 2026

Liverpool supporters have been handed a grim update on Conor Bradley after a respected injury expert warned the young defender’s layoff could extend well beyond initial expectations.

Bradley was forced off late in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal four weeks ago after collapsing by the touchline with a knee injury. His injury brought about a lot of controversy when Gabriel Martinelli shoved the rightback off the pitch while he was in distress.

Early reports suggested that the Northern Ireland international would miss the remainder of the current season. However, fresh expert analysis now indicates the problem could sideline him for far longer, potentially wiping out an entire year of his career.

Conor Bradley could miss the rest of 2026 and possibly a part of 2027

Ben Dinnery, founder of the highly regarded Premier Injuries platform, has delivered a sobering assessment of Bradley’s condition. He suggested Liverpool should not expect to see him back on the pitch any time soon.

Speaking to Anfield Index, Dinnery revealed the extent of the damage goes beyond a routine ligament issue. “We’re probably looking at something that is going to head into the latter part of the year. The mechanism itself suggested that it was a serious ACL problem.”

Dinnery added, “If there’s any return in 2026 it would be a massive bonus for Liverpool, but it could quite easily stretch into the early part of 2027. You’re always concerned with a non-contact injury, and the tests showed that there was bone damage as well as ligament damage.”

Such injuries typically require long rehabilitation periods. In fact, any complications involving bone trauma only increase recovery time and uncertainty.

How Conor Bradley’s injury could change Liverpool’s transfer plans

Bradley’s injury also presents a significant headache for Liverpool. Jeremie Frimpong is also currently sidelined, albeit expected back later this month. As a result, Arne Slot’s options at right-back are suddenly alarmingly thin.

Even when fit, the Dutchman has endured injury issues during his first season at Anfield. Given the growing likelihood that Bradley may not return until late 2026, Liverpool may have little choice but to sign a rightback in the summer.

An ambitious attempt to land Lutsharel Geertruida on loan recently fell through. The Reds could target Geertruida, again, should he become available in the summer. For now, the focus remains on Bradley’s recovery.

But for Liverpool, the harrowing assessment leaves little room for optimism, and plenty of difficult planning ahead.