Conor Bradley faces six weeks on the sidelines after suffering an injury during Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid, according to a report.
The Northern Ireland international received immense praise for his showing against the European champions, with one tackle on Kylian Mbappe rousing the Anfield crowd as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo secured another win for Arne Slot.
However, it soon emerged Bradley had sustained a blow to his hamstring, while fellow defender Ibrahima Konate also had to be substituted after some late collisions with Madrid substitute Endrick.
Now, the Belfast Telegraph claim the 21-year-old is set to miss the hectic festive period with an absence of up to six weeks.
Manager Slot is already without a number of key first-teamers, with Alisson, Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota also sidelined. Konate has also confirmed he will be out for a spell, leaving the Reds shorter on defensive options than usual.
Bradley had deputised for usual starting right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold while the England international endured his own enforced stint out of the team. However, he was on the bench in midweek and is expected to start in Sunday’s huge Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Liverpool can go 11 points clear of the reigning champions, who have not won a match in any competition since late October, with victory on Merseyside. Arsenal beat West Ham United 5-2 on Saturday night to jump into second place.
Bradley has made one start apiece in the Premier League and Champions League so far this season, also appearing in Liverpool’s two successes in the Carabao Cup. His side have some big games on the horizon after the clash with City, with games against Newcastle United, Everton, Girona, Fulham, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur arriving before Christmas.