Conor Bradley undergoes knee surgery, faces race against time for World Cup
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley is fully focused on his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on a season-ending knee injury, reports BritPanorama.
The Northern Ireland international, 22, was carried off in the closing stages of the Reds’ goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal last Thursday. The club has confirmed Bradley will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to damage to both bone and ligament. However, scans have ruled out any tear to his anterior cruciate ligament.
He faces a race to recover in time for this summer’s World Cup, should his country qualify through the play-offs. Surgery was scheduled for the coming days, after which Bradley will commence his rehabilitation programme at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre.
Bradley took to Instagram to update fans on his progress, stating: “A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now. It won’t be for a little while but I already can’t wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Thanks for all the support.”
The right-back has already made 21 appearances for Liverpool this season but has endured difficulties with injury, missing several matches earlier due to a hamstring issue. Additionally, the incident that led to his injury came during a contentious moment in the match against Arsenal.
During the closing stages of the game, Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli found himself at the centre of controversy after he threw the ball at Bradley, who lay on the turf after appearing to twist his knee. Martinelli attempted to push him off the pitch, prompting anger from Liverpool players. This confrontation resulted in yellow cards for both Martinelli and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, the latter reacting forcefully to defend his teammate.
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane expressed strong criticism of Martinelli’s behaviour, drawing from his own playing experiences. “Throwing the ball at him, standing over him and getting a little knee on him. He tries to force him off. That behaviour is an absolute disgrace,” said Keane, highlighting the need for players to respect their opponents, especially in moments of injury.
The depth of Bradley’s injury and the implications for both his club and international ambitions underline the often daunting reality of professional sports, where injuries can shift trajectories in an instant. As Bradley embarks on his recovery journey, the football community will be watching closely, aware of how the path to injury recovery can often be as challenging as the game itself.
