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Liverpool confirm worst Conor Bradley injury fears as star left needing surgery
Jan 11 2026 13:16 · By Stephen Killen/Senior Sports Content Creator · 38 Reads
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Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up a serious knee injury against Arsenal .
Bradley, 22, was stretchered off in North London on Thursday during the closing stages of the 0-0 draw with the Gunners. The Northern Ireland international went down holding his left leg after attempting to clear a loose ball during an innocuous incident at the Emirates Stadium. He appeared to roll his ankle before twisting his knee but it has now been confirmed that he has sustained a significant injury.
The Liverpool full back will undergo surgery in the coming days. Although scans showed no rupture in his anterior cruciate ligament, there was damage to his bone and ligaments.
In a statement, the club wrote: " 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 scenes after Bradley's injury marred a tussle between the Premier League leaders and the champions after Gabriel Martinelli tried to forcefully remove the Northern Irishman.
With Arsenal chasing the opener in stoppage time, Martinelli dropped the ball on his stricken opponent before trying to push him off the pitch, in order for the game to continue.
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The actions angered the Liverpool squad and the medical staff with Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister involved in the melee as they voiced their anger at the Brazilian's antics.
Martinelli later apologised to Bradley saying he was "deepy sorry" for shoving the Liverpool defender off the pitch.
In a message shared via his Instagram story, he said: "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.