´The comeback starts now´ – Bradley confirms successful knee surgery

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley has confirmed he has undergone successful knee surgery following his season-ending injury against Arsenal last Thursday.

Bradley was stretchered off in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time after awkwardly clearing a ball near the touchline, with the incident sparking a flashpoint.

Gabriel Martinelli attempted to push the Northern Ireland international off the pitch before he received treatment, as well as bouncing the ball off the stricken defender.

Martinelli has since come out and apologised for his role in the incident, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot understood the Arsenal forward’s frustrations in the heat of the moment.

But in an Instagram post on Wednesday, Bradley confirmed that his surgery, which will keep him out until the 2026-27 season, had been a success.

“A big blow, but surgery is done, so the comeback starts now,” Bradley said.

“It won’t be for a little while, but I already can’t wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Thank you for all of the support.”

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Bradley will miss Northern Ireland’s World Cup 2026 play-off semi-final against Italy on March 26. The winner faces either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off final.

The 22-year-old has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Arne Slot’s side, who sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s clash with Burnley.

Liverpool have lost just one of their nine Premier League home games against Burnley (W6 D2), with the Clarets without a league win in their last 12 league matches.