International Manager Provides Crucial Liverpool Injury Update | OneFootball

Conor Bradley Fitness Update Offers Hope Ahead of Key Liverpool Fixtures

Liverpool are facing an early-season dilemma at right-back, with both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley currently sidelined. With a challenging fixture away to Newcastle United looming, concerns have been mounting among supporters about who will line up at St James’ Park.

Frimpong’s hamstring injury, confirmed by Arne Slot earlier this week, means the Dutchman will be unavailable until mid-September. The timing is particularly unfortunate, given Slot’s strong track record of maintaining player fitness across crucial stages of the previous campaign, culminating in Liverpool lifting the Premier League title last season.

Bradley’s Fitness Offers Glimmer of Hope

In Frimpong’s absence, attention naturally turns to Conor Bradley. Yet the Northern Ireland international has also been missing from action so far this term, sparking concerns over Liverpool’s depth on the right side of defence. Joe Gomez, who would typically provide cover, is also struggling for full fitness.

However, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil has offered an encouraging update regarding Bradley’s condition. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, O’Neil said:

“Conor’s good. You know he’d be frustrated because his pre-season I think was going very well and, like anything, there’s such competition at a club like Liverpool that you don’t want to be injured because you have to try and find your way back into the team.”

Photo: IMAGO

The message is clear: while Bradley may not be ready for Monday night’s trip to Newcastle United, there is growing optimism he could return in time for Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal the following weekend.

Slot Likely to Be Cautious with Bradley

Arne Slot is unlikely to rush Bradley back, even with the pressure mounting ahead of two major Premier League fixtures. The 22-year-old has a patchy injury record and has broken down before when returning too soon. Slot, who is known for his pragmatic management style, will want to avoid risking a longer-term setback for short-term gain.

O’Neil acknowledged the delicate balance required when integrating Bradley back into the squad, adding:

“We just have to be mindful of where Conor’s at physically when we look at him in these two games. But we anticipate that he’ll be ready to play and we’ll obviously have the dialogue with Liverpool to get their thoughts on that as well.”

With international duty around the corner, both Liverpool and Northern Ireland are closely monitoring the situation. O’Neil noted:

“Hopefully Conor can get minutes before we meet up on Sunday week.”

Selection Dilemma Ahead of Newcastle United Clash

Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Monday night for what promises to be a stern test of their early-season credentials. With Frimpong ruled out and Bradley highly unlikely to be risked, the right-back position is a growing concern. Newcastle United, unbeaten in their opening two fixtures, will no doubt target any vulnerability down Liverpool’s right flank.

The match will also offer a broader indication of how Slot intends to manage squad rotation and injuries throughout a demanding season, which includes Champions League football.

Should Bradley return against Arsenal, it would not only ease defensive concerns but also offer Liverpool fans renewed optimism heading into a packed September fixture list.