Liverpool’s Conor Bradley Touch and Go for November Games After Back Injury
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley is yet to feature this season due to a back injury, with the youngster “touch and go” for games in November. Bradley was primed for a regular role in the Liverpool squad this campaign, after serving as deputy to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the early weeks of pre-season. But the 20-year-old was sidelined midway through the warmup schedule and has not been involved for club and country since.
This is due to a stress fracture in his back – first revealed in August by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill – meaning he has so far sat out of 11 games for Liverpool and four for his national team. Earlier this month, Jurgen Klopp explained that Bradley was “on the way back” and had returned to running, but added that he would still “need a bit of time.”
Northern Ireland Manager Michael O’Neill Admits Bradley is “Touch and Go” for November Games
O’Neill has now admitted Bradley is “touch and go” for Northern Ireland’s final Euro 2024 qualifiers against Finland and Denmark next month. “If you look at Conor Bradley, he’s only played three games for us in this campaign and that’s probably all he will play if I’m honest,” he told reporters. “November will be very touch and go for Conor…that makes it difficult.”
O’Neill was speaking before Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, which did little to impact their standing as fifth in Group H. They have won only two of their eight qualifiers so far, both of which have come against the world’s lowest-ranked nation San Marino, losing the remaining six. That means they can no longer qualify for next summer’s tournament, with Bradley instead forming part of the future for Northern Ireland.
Bradley Expected Back in Full Training Towards End of November
Being a doubt for clashes on November 17 and 20 suggests the youngster is not expected back in full training until towards the end of next month. Liverpool registered Bradley on List B for their Europa League squad, but as it stands he could only realistically target the final group game at Union SG on December 14.
The injury to Bradley has been a blow to both Liverpool and Northern Ireland, with the youngster having impressed during his loan spell at Bolton last season. He made 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing five assists, and was expected to challenge Alexander-Arnold for a starting spot this term.
It remains to be seen when Bradley will be able to make his return to action, but it appears unlikely that he will be available in November. The 20-year-old will be hoping to make a swift recovery so he can get back on the pitch and continue his development as an exciting young talent.