Bradley, who had stepped up impressively as the club's primary right-back following Trent Alexander-Arnold's summer departure to Real Madrid, landed awkwardly while chasing the ball in stoppage time. He was immediately stretchered off in visible distress, leaving the pitch on crutches and wearing a protective knee brace. Initial fears of a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear were eased by scans, but the damage proved severe enough: significant issues to both bone and ligaments in his left knee.
Liverpool released a brief but stark statement on January 11, 2026:
"Liverpool FC can confirm Conor Bradley has sustained a significant knee injury. The right-back suffered the issue in the latter stages of Thursday night's Premier League fixture away at Arsenal. Bradley will undergo surgery in the coming days and then begin a period of rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre. No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage of the process."
While avoiding the dreaded ACL rupture offers some hope for a relatively quicker recovery compared to similar cases, experts estimate a 4-6 month timeline for return-to-play following surgery on this type of bone and ligament damage. This firmly rules Bradley out of the remainder of Liverpool's campaign, including crucial Premier League fixtures, the FA Cup, and any potential European run under manager Arne Slot.
The injury comes at a terrible time for the Reds, who are already dealing with a mounting defensive crisis. Young centre-back Giovanni Leoni is sidelined for the season with an ACL tear, and record signing Alexander Isak (other long-term absentees have stretched the squad thin). Slot now faces tough choices at right-back, with options limited to versatile Joe Gomez, injury-prone new signing Jeremie Frimpong, and possibly academy prospects or a rethink on January loan plans for Calvin Ramsay.
Adding fuel to the fire, the incident sparked controversy when Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli reacted heatedly—throwing the ball at Bradley and attempting to shove him off the pitch amid accusations of time-wasting. The Brazilian winger later apologised publicly and privately, but the flashpoint highlighted the intensity of the title race.
For Bradley, this is another heartbreaking setback in a career plagued by injuries. Despite his talent and promise—highlighted by strong performances this season after earlier hamstring issues—the Northern Irish star now faces a race against time even for potential World Cup involvement if his country qualifies via March play-offs.
Slot, who admitted post-match that he "feared the worst," will hope his side can rally ahead of upcoming challenges, starting with the FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley. But losing a key academy graduate like Bradley for the season is a massive blow—one that may force Liverpool to reconsider their transfer stance in January.
Anfield will miss Bradley's energy, crossing ability, and defensive tenacity. Get well soon, Conor—Reds fans everywhere are behind you.
Stay tuned to Nigfooty for more updates on Liverpool's injury crisis, transfer rumors, and all things Premier League!