Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says Conor Bradley is expected to miss at least the next two games after picking up another injury in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
The right-back was introduced from the bench in the second half as Slot wanted to protect Trent Alexander-Arnold for the busy run of fixtures ahead but he could not see out the game.
Slot had to withdraw Bradley in the closing stages and later told a post-match news conference: “He felt something when he made a sprint. All the time with injuries, I always say if a player wants to go off himself then it’s not a promising sign.
“It means he is 99.9 per cent not available for Manchester City (on Sunday) and I don’t expect him against Newcastle either. We will have to see if it is one, two weeks or longer.”
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Liverpool have used Bradley regularly this season as back-up or cover for Alexander-Arnold but the 21-year-old’s injury problems are now adding up. Bradley missed a chunk of games in December with a hamstring injury and was also absent in September with a separate issue. He was restricted to just 23 appearances last season after a back issue meant he did not feature until December.
There is also doubt over Alexander-Arnold’s long-term future at the club with his contract expiring at the end of this season and Real Madrid confident of signing him on a free transfer. Bradley’s Liverpool contract runs until the summer of 2027.
Following the draw at Villa Park, Liverpool are eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal having played a fixture more than the north London side. That game will be made up when Liverpool face Newcastle United in next month’s Carabao Cup final.
Liverpool are next in action against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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