Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley could return from a long-term injury layoff.Conor Bradley would have hoped for a less painful example of how he is fully involved in Liverpool’s first-team duties.
The 20-year-old’s absence was explained as a “minor injury” when he surprisingly missed the flight to the Singapore tournament after appearing in Germany’s first two friendlies.
Reds supporters are familiar with the abbreviation, which makes the phrase a bit longer than he suggests. However, it caused great shock and frustration when it was revealed that Bradley would be out for more than three months with a stress fracture in his back.
Bradley returned to Liverpool in good spirits, starting at right-back in friendlies against Karlsruhe and Greater Perth, but picked up an injury after a very impressive loan season at League One side Bolton Wanderers.
Jurgen Klopp said at the time: “It’s a shame because Connor has done really well” and suggested the Northern Ireland international would take over this summer.
He said: “It was different to the previous pre-season. “I’m fighting for a place now and I want to establish myself in this team. I’d say I’m a much better player here than I’ve been recently.
“It’s been hectic the last few years, but I want to keep working and see where it takes me.”There will certainly be opportunities for Bradley, especially in the Europa League and League Cup.
Academy graduates Jarrell Quansah and Luke Chambers have featured in the first team this season alongside teenager Ben Doak, while James McConnell and Calum Scanlon have made their debuts as substitutes.
But now, after playing in five games for Liverpool in 2021/22, Bradley is finally back in action and has resumed full first-team training. The first opportunity could come when Liverpool take on Burnley in the Lancashire Senior Cup at Leyland tonight and Klopp will have time on Friday to show the teenager that he needs to be sharp against the under-21s.
Bradley was joined by youngster Kaide Gordon during a practice session. The winger took a big step in his quest for fitness after more than 18 months out, starting the EFL Trophy game at Barrow earlier this month. He’ll have more time tonight.
Bobby Clarke, another player who impressed in pre-season but has since had his chances of first-team action hampered by a surprise injury, is not expected to return to action until the New Year.
