Liverpool’s Conor Bradley to undergo surgery and miss remainder of the season

Liverpool have suffered a major blow after it was confirmed that Conor Bradley will miss the remainder of the season following a serious knee injury sustained against Arsenal.

The 22-year-old right-back was carried off on a stretcher late on in Thursday’s goalless Premier League draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Bradley landed awkwardly near the touchline in stoppage time and was in visible distress as medical staff attended to him.

Initial fears of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture have been eased, but scans revealed significant damage to both bone and ligaments in his left knee.

The Northern Ireland international is now set to undergo surgery in the coming days before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

Liverpool have confirmed that no specific timeframe has been placed on his return, but the injury has been deemed season-ending.

Bradley left the Emirates with his knee heavily braced, underlining the seriousness of the setback.

The injury represents a crushing development for manager Arne Slot, who has already had to contend with a growing list of absentees this season.

Slot admitted after the match that he feared the worst when Bradley was forced off, with concerns heightened by the manner of the injury.

Liverpool’s defensive resources have already been stretched, with further disruption now expected on the right side of the back line.

Bradley had recently re-established himself in the starting line-up after a stop-start campaign disrupted by fitness issues.

His return had allowed Slot greater tactical flexibility, including pushing Jeremie Frimpong into a more advanced role.

Those plans have now been derailed, with Liverpool once again required to reshuffle their defensive options.

Joe Gomez is available and offers cover at right-back, while Frimpong could also drop deeper if required.

Calvin Ramsay remains another option, having been involved in recent matchday squads despite uncertainty over his short-term future.

The setback places Bradley’s World Cup hopes in doubt should Northern Ireland progress through the March play-offs.

He will miss their semi-final tie against Italy, with his availability beyond that now uncertain.

The injury is a cruel blow at a time when Bradley was beginning to enjoy sustained involvement and responsibility at senior level.