Liverpool may have another major problem to solve this summer, with fresh claims suggesting Conor Bradley’s injury could be worse than first reported.
According to a source on X, information from within the IFA, via Liverpool, indicates that Bradley’s situation is more serious than has publicly been made clear.
That has not been officially confirmed by the club, but the concern makes sense given how carefully the details around his recovery have been handled.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill recently said Bradley is “making progress,” but also admitted the full medical details are “confidential between the club and the player.”
Bradley has been out since January, when he suffered a significant knee injury during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw away to Arsenal.
Liverpool confirmed at the time that he needed surgery and would begin rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, but they did not put a clear timeframe on his return.
🚨 EXCL: Information tonight from within IFA, via LFC, that Conor Bradley’s injury is far worse than reported. With wider ramifications if proven. Whoever comes in as the new Liverpool head coach, a RB is now a massive priority.
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) May 30, 2026
Liverpool still don’t know when Bradley will return
The injury involved damage to the bone and ligaments in his left knee, although it was not believed to be an ACL rupture.
That lack of a timeline is exactly why the latest rumours are getting attention.
If Bradley’s recovery is slower or more complicated than expected, it has serious consequences for Liverpool’s summer planning.
Whoever replaces Arne Slot as head coach will already inherit a squad in transition.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté are all leaving or expected to leave, while Liverpool are also looking at several areas of the pitch.
But right-back now looks like one of the biggest priorities.
Jeremie Frimpong was meant to help solve that issue, but his first season has been difficult because of injuries and inconsistent defensive performances.
Liverpool cannot go into another campaign relying on makeshift options, especially if Bradley’s return date remains unclear.
Reds may have to invest in the right-back position
Liverpool have to treat this as a major warning. Bradley is a fantastic young player, and nobody should write him off, but the club cannot build their right-back plan around hope.
If he returns quickly, brilliant. But if he needs longer, Liverpool need protection.
A new head coach will need stability, and right-back is too important in modern football to be patched up with midfielders or emergency options.
Signing a right-back this summer is now essential, not optional. It does not have to be a superstar signing, but Liverpool need someone reliable, athletic and ready to play immediately.
Bradley still has a big future at Anfield, but Liverpool must be smart. Supporting his recovery and strengthening the squad can both happen at the same time.
Arne Slot’s departure could lead to shock U-turn from Liverpool star leaving the club
Joe Gomez can play anywhere across the back four and is very much underestimated. He has not been allowed a good run in the team to allow him any consistency. About time he was given the chance.
Joe Gomez is an amazing player, but it’s his own body that hasn’t allowed him a good run in the team!
I liked the look of that forgotten lad Ramsay on his debut. He also looked like the best player on the pitch against Palace. Slot decided to humiliate the lad in public and even removed him from the bench. I hope the next guy gives him a chance.
Agreed, Ramsay can do that job. Giovanni Leoni as well. If there is doubt, then Michael Kayode of Brentford would be a suitable candidate for right back.
let our team go back to our hard pressing game, let the new coach know that our game is pressing and pushing toward with speed.
Was not looking forward to another season under Slot! However IF we can get the deal done with Iraola things look much brighter! Mind you Edwards needs to get his act together, far too many top players are being allowed to leave on a free transfer!
I could understand Salah as some kind of reward for his years with the club, but the others we just cannot afford! That money could have helped with the new Managers wages or gone to support the academy!