Liverpool Facing Potential Defensive Injury Crisis
Liverpool could be on the verge of a serious defensive injury dilemma if their current situation worsens.
During the second half at Villa Park, Conor Bradley pulled up injured after replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold around the hour mark.
With Joe Gomez already sidelined, Arne Slot was forced to bring on center-back Jarell Quansah to finish the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
Is Bradley Dealing with a Hamstring Injury?
Early signs suggest trouble for the Northern Ireland international.
Fan footage from @asim_lfc captured Bradley signaling to medical staff that his hamstring was bothering him. This is particularly concerning, given that he only recently returned to first-team action after suffering a similar injury in late 2024.
As things stand, it’s highly likely that Bradley will miss Liverpool’s crucial upcoming Premier League fixtures against Manchester City (away) and Newcastle United (home).
Arne Slot Weighs Is
Speaking to reporters after the match, Arne Slot shared his concerns over Bradley’s injury.
*”It is difficult, but he felt something when he sprinted. He tried to continue but had to come off,”* Slot said via *Liverpoolfc.com.*
*”With injuries, I always say if a player takes himself off, it’s never a good sign. It looks like he’s 99.9% out for City, and I don’t expect him for Newcastle either. After that, we’ll have to see if it’s one or two weeks—or potentially longer.”*
It’s an unfortunate setback, especially considering Bradley’s strong performances since his return.
Liverpool Must Handle Alexander-Arnold With Caution
With Alexander-Arnold’s fitness also being carefully managed—hence his substitution against Aston Villa—Liverpool are in a precarious situation.
Currently, there is no senior backup available at right-back should Alexander-Arnold pick up an injury as well.
Arne Slot now faces a difficult challenge: balancing the vice-captain’s minutes while navigating a critical week featuring matchups against Manchester City and Newcastle.
