Liverpool may have another big problem to solve this summer, with new claims suggesting Conor Bradley’s injury may be worse than originally reported.
X sources say information received from within the IFA via Liverpool indicates that Bradley’s situation is more serious than has been made public.
Although the club has not officially confirmed it, the concern is understandable given how sensitive the details of his recovery have been.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill recently said that Bradley was “progressing”, but also admitted that full medical details were “confidential between club and player”.
Bradley has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw away to Arsenal in January.
Liverpool confirmed at the time that he required surgery and would begin his rehabilitation at the AXA training centre, but did not say when he would return.
Liverpool still don’t know when Bradley will return.
The injury involved damage to bones and ligaments in the left knee, but was not believed to be an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
The lack of a timeline is why the latest rumors are attracting so much attention.
If Bradley’s recovery is slower or more complicated than expected, it would have a serious impact on Liverpool’s summer plans.
If Arne Slott’s successor takes over as head coach, he will be taking over a team that is already in transition.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all left or are expected to leave, while Liverpool are also considering several areas of the pitch.
But right-back now looks like one of the biggest priorities.
Jeremy Frimpong was supposed to help solve that problem, but his first season was difficult due to injuries and inconsistent defensive performance.
Liverpool cannot go into the next campaign relying on stopgap options, especially when it is unclear when Bradley will return.
Reds may need to invest in the right-back position
Liverpool need to treat this as a major warning. Bradley is a fantastic young player and no one should take him lightly, but the club cannot plan their right-back position around hope.
It would be great if he comes back soon. But if he needs more time, Liverpool will need protection.
A new head coach needs stability and right-backs are too important in modern football to be supplemented with midfielders or emergency options.
Signing a right-back this summer is now a must, not an option. There’s no need to sign a superstar, but Liverpool needs players who are reliable, athletic and ready to play right away.
Bradley still has a big future at Anfield, but Liverpool must be wise. Supporting his recovery and strengthening the team can be achieved at the same time.
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