Liverpool's 22-year-old right-back Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a significant knee injury in a Premier League draw against Arsenal. The injury, involving damage to both bone and ligament, occurred in stoppage time and is not related to his ACL, though surgery is expected soon. The incident has drawn criticism and an apology from Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli.
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley sustained a serious knee injury during the final moments of his team's 0-0 Premier League draw with Arsenal on Thursday. The 22-year-old was chasing the ball near the touchline when he landed awkwardly, forcing him off the pitch in stoppage time. Scans revealed damage to both bone and ligament, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and putting his potential participation in the World Cup in doubt if Northern Ireland qualifies. He is set to miss their play-off semi-final against Italy on March 26.
The injury sparked controversy when Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli attempted to push Bradley off the field to keep play going. Martinelli dropped the ball on the injured player and shoved him in the back, leading to a confrontation. Both Martinelli and Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate received yellow cards. Later, Martinelli apologized on Instagram, stating, “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. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Roy Keane condemned Martinelli's actions on Sky Sports. Neville called it “absolutely disgraceful” and labeled the winger an “idiot.”
Bradley had been Liverpool's first-choice right-back this season, starting 12 Premier League matches following Trent Alexander-Arnold's summer transfer to Real Madrid. Manager Arne Slot now faces challenges at the position, with Joe Gomez as cover, Dominik Szoboszlai having filled in occasionally, and Jeremie Frimpong a potential option despite his forward role.
