Slot shares fresh injury update as Liverpool ace in contention to return v Brighton
Arne Slot has confirmed Conor Bradley has recovered from his latest injury setback and is in contention to feature for Liverpool against Brighton on Wednesday (30 October).
The 21-year-old has missed the last three matches for the Reds, and his return should provide some much-needed respite for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the coming weeks.
Liverpool will face Brighton twice in four days, starting with the midweek clash at the Amex Stadium in the Carabao Cup, and Slot revealed Bradley is the sole name on the growing injury list at Anfield in consideration to make the matchday squad.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference [29 October], Slot said: “Conor is training with us again so he could maybe be in the squad.
“[Diogo] Jota is not [available], Alisson not, Harvey Elliott not, and Federico [Chiesa], I’m not expecting him to be in the squad tomorrow as well.”
Conor Bradley to audition for starting role at Liverpool
Bradley burst onto the scene at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp last season and, while he is still considered the back-up option to Trent under Slot, this year could be pivotal for his long-term future on Merseyside.
As widely reported, Trent is in the final year of his contract with Liverpool and the longer the supporters wait for news on a potential extension, the more fears are growing the Scouser will call time on his career with his boyhood club and complete a long-anticipated move to Real Madrid.
Should this scenario come to fruition, Bradley would emerge as the undisputed right-back, but this would be a significant downgrade for the Reds.
The Northern Ireland international has failed to impress thus far and was culpable for Callum Hudson-Odoi handing Slot his only defeat at Anfield in the 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest.
However, Bradley did attract Slot’s attention throughout pre-season by winning the six-minute race test among those not away representing their countries in international competition.
This season could be Bradley’s audition to become Trent’s long-term replacement. While the Brighton tie may be too soon for him to return, there will be ample opportunity to impress ahead of a gruelling fixture schedule.
Liverpool supporters, of course, would prefer Trent to commit his future to the Reds and have the two share the minutes as arguably the best right-back tandems in world football, but the reality is starting to set in.
Trent is not guaranteed to remain at Anfield beyond the current season and the club must put a contingency plan in place to ease the blow of his departure. For Bradley, it is time to step up.
In other Liverpool news, Andy Robertson left a BBC pundit baffled after what he did for the Reds in the draw against Arsenal.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.