(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Sun 31 May 2026 8:15, UK

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Liverpool are set to be forced into the transfer market to bring in a new right-back this summer, with Conor Bradley’s injury recovery not progressing as hoped.

The 22-year-old sustained a nasty injury in stoppage time of the Reds’ 0-0 draw away at Arsenal on 8 January, and has been out of action ever since.

The Merseysiders knew within days that the Northern Irishman would be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines during his recovery, as it was expected that he would also miss a significant chunk of the 2026-27 season.

Bradley had made 12 starts in the Premier League throughout the first half of the campaign, but has since been issued a watching brief while his recovery continues to progress.

Liverpool were plagued by injuries all season, and the news just keeps getting worse when it comes to Bradley’s issue.

Conor Bradley injury ‘far worse’ than reported

Bradley has established himself as a first-team regular at Anfield in recent seasons, having come through the academy ranks with his boyhood club.

He played a crucial role for his team in the early months of last term, but now looks set to find himself ruther down the pecking order when he eventually returns to action.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill recently suggested that the talented defender is making progress in terms of his recovery, but it has now become clear that may not entirely be the case.

Journalist Chris Williams reported via his X account on Saturday night that Bradley’s injury is “far worse” than what is currently being reported, and could also potentially have “wider ramifications.”

He then added that when an appointment is made to succeed Arne Slot as manager, the search for a new right-back will become a “massive priority” for the boss and the recruitment team.

🚨 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

Jeremie Frimpong was predominantly used in a right-wing role this term, leaving the likes of Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai to regularly provide makeshift cover at right-back in the absence of Bradley.

Jeremie Frimpong form backs Liverpool into a corner

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Frimpong cannot be Liverpool’s right-back long-term, as he has proven that he lacks the necessary consistency.

The Dutchman arrived at Anfield as one of the club’s first signings last summer and was intended to step in and replace the influential Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, that hasn’t been the case, as his lack of both form and fitness saw Slot rarely trust him to take up a role within the back four.

That has backed Liverpool into a corner somewhat regarding their right-back situation, as they clearly now have no choice but to dip into the market.

Their next coach could undoubtedly have a slightly different view on Frimpong, but with no guarantees that Bradley will return the same player as before, a new face will be needed either way.