Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been ruled out for an extended spell after the Reds’ young full-back suffered a serious knee injury in the hard-fought clash with Arsenal.
The Reds’ 22-year-old full-back was stretchered off in North London during the closing moments of Liverpool’s goalless draw with Arsenal after the Northern Ireland international collapsed clutching his left leg while attempting to clear a loose ball in what initially looked like a harmless incident at the Emirates Stadium.
Although it initially looked like the Reds’ defender had simply rolled his ankle before his knee twisted awkwardly, it has now been confirmed that Liverpool’s young full-back has in fact sustained a serious injury.
The Reds’ full-back is set to undergo surgery in the coming days after scans showed no ACL tear but did confirm damage to the bone and surrounding ligaments, dealing a frustrating blow to Liverpool.
In an official statement, the Reds confirmed that “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.”
The Reds’ clash with Arsenal was overshadowed by the incident that caused Conor Bradley’s injury after Gabriel Martinelli appeared to aggressively shove Liverpool’s Northern Irish full-back during the heated battle between the league leaders and the reigning champions.
As Arsenal desperately pushed for a late winner, Martinelli disgracefully hurled the ball at the fallen defender and then tried to shove Liverpool’s full-back off the pitch so play could continue.
The Brazilian’s actions enraged the Reds, with Liverpool’s medical staff and players, including Ibrahima Konaté and Alexis Mac Allister, storming in to confront him as they made their fury at his conduct crystal clear.
Martinelli later issued an apology to the Reds’ full-back, admitting he was “deeply sorry” for shoving Liverpool’s defender off the pitch.
In a message shared on his Instagram story, Martinelli revealed: “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.”
“I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
