Conor Bradley
LIV
RB
Balanced Full Back
Jul 9, 2003 (23)
Right
5'11"
141 lb
LiverpoolUnlikely to return before 2027
Bradley (knee) is unlikely to return to action before the end of 2026 as he continues his recovery from surgery, according to Northern Ireland head coach Michael O'Neill, per Liverpool Echo. "He's making good progress. It has to be managed very, very carefully, an injury of that nature. If we see him this side of Christmas, it will be a real bonus, but if not then we look forward to March."
Analysis: Bradley continues to make progress in his recovery from the serious knee injury that required surgery in January, but he remains some way from returning to full team training. Given the significant bone and ligament damage involved, Liverpool are expected to remain cautious with his rehabilitation. A return before the end of 2026 now appears unlikely, with early 2027 emerging as a more realistic target for his competitive comeback.
Working on grass
Bradley (knee) is making progress in his recovery, with the club posting pictures of him running without the ball during offseason training in Chicago.
Analysis: Bradley is still several weeks away from returning to competitive play, but he could appear at some point in the 2026/27 season. He has been sidelined since January, so he's not expected to make an immediate return to significant workload, instead seeing minutes off the bench as soon as he's fit enough. Whenever that happens, he'll step into the right-back rotation of a squad that lacks natural backup options behind Jeremie Frimpong.
Still months from return
Bradley (knee) is still months from a return, according to manager Andoni Iraola. per James Pearce of The Athletic. "The others, we have to wait. (Giovanni) is the closest, then Conor The last we are talking about months."
Analysis: Bradley underwent knee surgery in January and is still not nearing his return to play, as the defender is set to miss a few more months. This would likely leave a return for some time in September or October, although that will depend on his training. Either way, this is a huge hit to the team, as they could enter the season with no true right-back, forcing Dominik Szoboszlai to then likely start there.
Set for competition at right back
Bradley made the trip to Chicago as Liverpool begin preseason preparations under new coach Andoni Iraola, the club announced.
Analysis: Bradley is considered an important piece of Iraola's plans this season, though he faces competition for the right back spot from Jeremie Frimpong. The trip gives him an opportunity to build his case for a starting role under the new coaching setup, with places expected to be earned through performance rather than handed out. His involvement on the tour will factor into how Iraola shapes the squad ahead of the new campaign. Bradley is expected to be given a real chance to stake his claim during the preseason program.
Returns for preseason testing
Bradley (knee) returned to Liverpool's Kirkby facility for initial physical testing as preseason preparations begin under new coach Andoni Iraola, the club posted.
Analysis: Bradley is viewed as a key part of coach Andoni Iraola's plans this season, though he will face competition at right back from Jeremie Frimpong. The defender now has an opportunity to establish himself as a starter under the new coaching setup, with places expected to be earned rather than handed out. His preseason work will be an important factor as Iraola shapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Return for preseason unknown
Bradley (knee) could miss preseason training as he works on his return, according to manager Arne Slot. "I think - I don't think, this is what they tell me - in the rehab, it's always really important in certain steps if they go well or don't go well. It's really difficult in the stage where he's in now to predict exactly when he will be back; that will be by margins. He's still inside, he works really hard to make the right steps, but he's at this moment quite far away from already going outside, and that makes it quite complicated to tell how long it's going to take."
Analysis: Bradley is still working on his return and rehabilitation after a major knee surgery, as the defender is now questionable to even make a return for preseason. However, this is still in the air, as with months until preseason, there is a chance he can see a boost in that time. This remains a story point to watch, as it does mean he could miss the start of the next season, a rough realization for the full-back, as he was a starter this campaign when fit.
Undergoes knee surgery
Bradley has undergone knee surgery and will begin rehab in the coming days and weeks.
Analysis: Bradley will miss the rest of the season, but it hasn't been confirmed that he'll miss the World Cup if Northern Ireland make it there. More information should be revealed by Liverpool in the coming weeks on a possible return date, as it's still unclear what the actual knee injury was. If he can get back to training in a few months, there's a real chance he'll be ready by June.
Set for knee surgery, season over
Bradley has suffered a significant knee injury that will require surgery in the next few days and will miss the remainder of the season, according to his club.
Analysis: Bradley was already fearing the worst after leaving Thursday's match against Arsenal early, as the defender will now undergo surgery on a significant knee injury. Unfortunately for the right-back, this will require surgery that will end his season, putting to rest his campaign a few months prematurely. His main focus moving forward will be to recover for the start of next season, as he hopes for no setbacks during recovery, with a knee injury being one of the most tedious injuries for a football player. Jeremie Frimpong will now be called into a much bigger role and is likely to start at right-back moving forward, with Joe Gomez their backup option if Frimpong misses time as well.
Severe injury feared
Bradley left the stadium on crutches after suffering a knee injury during Thursday's clash against Arsenal, with manager Arne Slot "fearing the worst" while awaiting a scan to determine the extent of the issue, James Pearce of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Bradley could be set for a long absence period if a significant damage to his left knee is confirmed. Such news would be a considerable blow to the team, considering that he was in decent form over his last three starts. The young defender has operated as a right-back with Jeremie Frimpong moving to a more attacking spot lately, but this issue could revert Frimpong to his natural role, while Joe Gomez offers another option in defense.
Subs off with injury in draw
Bradley abandoned Thursday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal due to an apparently serious issue.
Analysis: Bradley was stretchered off the pitch after holding his knee in the final minutes of the game, and his status could now be a significant concern. He made his third successive league start and was an important contributor to his side's clean sheet. If this issue rules him out of upcoming contests, there could be a tactical change with Jeremie Frimpong returning to a defensive role, or a chance for Joe Gomez to appear at right-back.
Assists Sunday
Bradley assisted once to go with three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Fulham.
Analysis: Bradley got back in the starting XI during Sunday's clash and he was straight back on the scoresheet with an assist on his only chance created. He's a very direct option from right-back, though he tends to make space with his runs, as he isn't the most dangerous passer, and can struggle to whip in crosses that threaten.
Makes bench vs. Wolves
Bradley (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Bradley was expected to be a late call for this fixture, and the right-back will be an option off the bench. Jeremie Frimpong will get the nod on the right side of the defense alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez.
Late call against Wolves
Bradley (undisclosed) will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Wolves, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Conor will be 50-50. He's not training with us today, not tomorrow, so Friday we will see exactly where he is [and] if he can be in the squad for the weekend."
Analysis: Bradley still has to resume training this week and will be a late call on Friday after the final training session to know if he can be part of the match squad for Saturday's clash against Wolves. The right-back has been a regular starter for the reds and if he had to miss the game, Jeremie Frimpong will likely be the main option to play on the right side of the defense if fit enough to contribute many minutes.
Off with injury
Bradley was forced off at halftime of Saturday's 2-1 win over Tottenham due to an injury, according to manager Arne Slot, per James Pearce of The Athletic.
Analysis: Bradley would return from suspension Saturday but was cut short at halftime, as he needed to leave the field after being involved in a collision. Unfortunately for the club, Jeremie Frimpong would also go down injured, leaving the club without a regular right-back if Bradley is deemed to miss time. That said, this leaves Dominik Szoboszlai as the likely replacement at right-back if both were to miss time.
Back from suspension
Bradley is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Bradley has served his suspension due to yellow cards accumulation in the Premier League and is set to return in the next contest. The right-back has been an undisputed starter in the backline for the Reds when available and given the absences, he will claim back that role on Saturday against Tottenham.
Receives one match ban
Bradley will serve one-match ban due to an accumulation of five yellow cards in the Premier League.
Analysis: Bradley accumulated five yellow cards in the Premier League and will be suspended for the clash against Brighton on Saturday. His absence will impact the starting squad since he has been a regular starter at right-back when available for the Reds, with Dominik Szoboszlai or Joe Gomez as the most likely options to replace him against the Seagulls. Bradley will be back available for the clash against Tottenham on Dec. 20.
Starting immediately
Bradley (strain) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Leeds United.
Analysis: Bradley has made his way back from a strain after four games out and is set for play immediately, with the defender making the starting XI. This should solve some issues in the defense for the club moving forward after Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez all split time starting at right-back, now with at least one of their first options in that position back.
Back available Saturday
Bradley (undisclosed) is back available for Saturday's clash against Leeds United after training with the team this week, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "But Conor Bradley has trained this week, so I expect him to train today and then he is available to be in the squad tomorrow."
Analysis: Bradley is back available for Saturday's clash against Leeds United after training in full with the team this week and recovering from his muscular injury. This is excellent news for the Reds since he is a regular starter at right-back when available and should claim back that spot when deemed fit enough to do so.
Could be available Saturday
Bradley (undisclosed) resumed team training on Monday for the first time since his injury and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Conor got into a training session yesterday for the first time, team training. Not everything 100 per cent yet, we had to manage that a little bit, so don't get your hopes up too soon, too fast. But the good thing is that he does certain parts with the group already. I hope he [Bradley] will be available for Leeds."
Analysis: Bradley missed the last three games due to a muscular injury but has seen a positive improvement since he resumed team training on Monday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Leeds United. This is good news for the Reds since he has been a regular starter at right-back and should claim back that role once fully back fit and available. Until then, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, or Joe Gomez are the options to start on the right side of the backline.
Suffers muscle injury
Bradley (undisclosed) suffered a muscle injury and is ruled out for at least three weeks, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference, according to the Liverpool Echo. "I don't expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days, maybe the end unless a miracle happens."
Analysis: Bradley is set to miss several weeks after suffering a muscle injury. This setback will likely sideline him until mid-December with a potential comeback against Tottenham on Dec. 20. This is a major blow for Liverpool since he has been a regular starter at right-back and Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) remains sidelined as well. Curtis Jones is expected to take on a larger role in the starting XI, starting at right-back and allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to remain a starter in the midfield, although the Hungarian could also be an option on the right side of the defense.
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