Liverpool’s defensive depth has taken a major hit for the rest of the 2025/26 season, with the club confirming that right-back Conor Bradley will undergo surgery after suffering serious ligament and bone damage, bringing his campaign to an early end.
A report from Football Paparazzi reveals that the injury is severe enough to require immediate surgery, which is scheduled for mid-January 2026. Liverpool’s medical staff have mapped out a careful recovery plan, with the nature of the damage meaning a projected rehabilitation period of between four and six months.
As a result, Bradley is set to miss all remaining domestic matches as well as Liverpool’s European fixtures this season. His rehab is expected to span from February to May 2026, with a potential return to full training pencilled in for June or July, provided there are no complications. The club is instead aiming for him to be fully ready for the 2026/27 pre-season in August, prioritising long-term fitness over a rushed comeback.
Although Bradley is considered one of the brightest prospects to come through Liverpool’s academy in recent years, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his development. This latest blow adds to a growing list of fitness problems that have halted his progress, including previous back issues and minor muscle injuries that limited his first-team opportunities.
For head coach Arne Slot, Bradley’s absence further strains defensive options, increasing the workload on the remaining players as Liverpool compete on several fronts. The hope is that successful surgery and a full pre-season will finally help the 22-year-old leave his injury troubles behind and restart his career momentum.
