Some would argue that Liverpool are ahead of schedule with this crop of players compared to what was expected at the start of the campaign.
If it wasn’t for Jurgen Klopp leaving in the summer, the expectation for the team would have been to challenge for the Premier League title in 12 months.
But like the Liverpool boss has done time and time again, he exceeds expectations, including having to deal with the injuries issues for months and months now.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker returned for the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota were back in the matchday squad for the shock defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League.
Added to that, Ibrahima Konate has had his issues again, whilst Mohamed Salah spent a period of the time on sidelines after getting injured at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Just when Klopp would have been hoping for some luck, another one of his Liverpool players has now picked up an injury – Conor Bradley.
Don Hutchison stated that the rising right-back has had an ‘outstanding’ season after filling in for Alexander-Arnold, as he told Premier League Productions (14/04/24 at 3:05 pm).
At the start of the second half, with the Reds losing to Palace, Bradley was forced off with what looked like a knee injury.
And Hutchison highlighted that it’s a ‘cruel blow’ for the player because of how well he has been performing.
Conor Bradley’s injury
“Bradley has had an outstanding season,” said Hutchison.
“It’s a cruel blow on a young player that has been outstanding for Liverpool. The appreciation from the Liverpool fans.”
Conor Bradley next season
For many years, Alexander-Arnold has been the lone ranger at right-back, with no bonafide right-sided fullback pushing him.
From James Milner to Joe Gomez, they have all filled in that position, but now Liverpool have a serious back-up to Trent.
Of course, Klopp isn’t going to be in charge, so fans will be hoping the next manager takes Bradley in his stride.
For the player’s sake, he will be hoping that this current injury isn’t too bad and he can return as soon as possible because there might not be enough time for him to get back on the field, if he has any serious injury.