The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international, who has emerged as one of the club’s most promising homegrown talents in recent seasons, suffered a serious knee injury during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal on January 8, 2026. Bradley was forced off in the first half, and subsequent assessments have revealed significant damage that has raised major concerns about his recovery timeline.
Dinnery, who runs the respected Premier Injuries site and frequently provides detailed analysis for outlets like Anfield Index, spoke exclusively on the matter in early February 2026. He indicated that Bradley’s season is effectively over, with a realistic return potentially not occurring until the latter stages of 2026—or, in a worst-case scenario, stretching into the early part of 2027.
Key quotes from Dinnery’s assessment include:
“We’re probably looking at something that is going to head into the latter part of the year. If there’s any return in 2026, it would be a massive bonus for Liverpool but it could quite easily stretch into the early part of 2027.”
This prognosis has sent shockwaves through the Anfield faithful, as Bradley had been establishing himself as a key squad player under Arne Slot. Known for his attacking flair from right-back, defensive solidity, and composure on the ball, he had started several matches this campaign before the injury struck. His absence compounds an already alarming defensive crisis at Liverpool, where options at full-back and centre-back are severely limited.
Current context of Liverpool’s injury woes:
Conor Bradley — Major knee injury; out for the season and potentially until 2027.
Jeremie Frimpong — Groin/muscle issue; sidelined since early February, expected back mid-February at the earliest.
Joe Gomez — Hip/knock problem; short-term, possible return around February 8-14.
Giovanni Leoni — ACL tear (from earlier in the season); out long-term, potentially into late 2026.
Alexander Isak — Ankle/leg injury (noted in some reports, though primarily a forward; recovery ongoing into spring 2026).
With senior right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold presumably available but the depth chart thinned dramatically, Slot’s side faces a tough run of fixtures—including high-stakes clashes like against Manchester City—relying heavily on makeshift solutions or academy call-ups.
Fans have reacted with concern and sympathy for Bradley, a player who has risen through the ranks and endeared himself with his work ethic and local roots. Social media is filled with messages of support (“Get well soon, Conor—Anfield needs you back stronger”) alongside frustration over the club’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially after a quiet January transfer window that saw no immediate reinforcements arrive despite links to players like Lutsharel Geertruida.
The club has not issued an official timeline beyond confirming the injury’s severity, but Dinnery’s expert insight—based on similar cases—has fueled the “devastating” narrative. Liverpool’s medical team will prioritize a cautious, full recovery to avoid long-term setbacks for the talented youngster.
This latest setback underscores the fragility of the squad amid ongoing rebuild efforts, including the upcoming summer arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes as part of defensive planning. For now, though, the focus is on supporting Bradley through what could be a prolonged rehabilitation. Liverpool supporters will be hoping for positive updates soon—Get well, Conor. YNWA
