Liverpool injury latest and return dates after Conor Bradley blow confirmed

Liverpool has been dealt a major injury blow, with Conor Bradley out for the rest of the season, but there is better news regarding Hugo Ekitike after his recent lay-off

Conor Bradley is set to miss the rest of the season for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot will be more than a little concerned with the state of his injury list at the moment, with a third long-term absentee having now been confirmed for Liverpool.

The Reds have been struggling for numbers recently, with Mohamed Salah's commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations further limiting the options available to Slot and his side.

And the situation was made even worse during Thursday's trip to Arsenal, with Liverpool's worst fears having now been confirmed after Conor Bradley had to be stretchered off during the dying stages of the goalless draw, before leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches.

Here is the latest on the injury front for Liverpool, including possible return dates for the Reds' absentees.

Conor Bradley

Liverpool has confirmed that Bradley will undergo surgery in the coming days on what it has described as a "significant" knee injury.

Liverpool.com understands that the right-back has suffered damage to bone and ligament, as opposed to an ACL which was first speculated, and that his domestic season is now over.

It remains to be seen whether he might be able to recover in time for the World Cup should Northern Ireland make it through the play-offs in March, which it will have to do without its talisman.

Possible return date: 2026/27 season

Hugo Ekitike

There is much better news for Hugo Ekitike, with the striker potentially in line to make his return against Barnsley in the FA Cup on Monday.

Ekitike has missed the Reds' last couple of games against Fulham and Arsenal with a hamstring problem, although Slot has raised hopes of him featuring in the cup, having indicated the club will "do everything" to get him fit in time.

Possible return date: January 12 vs Barnsley

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak is another long-term absentee for the Reds, having broken his leg against Tottenham. The Sweden international underwent surgery on a fractured fibula, which will keep him out for at least a couple of months.

Slot has suggested that he will be able to return before the end of the season, although given the nature of his injury, he certainly can't be rushed back.

Possible return date: April/May

Alexander Isak is set for a spell out after breaking his leg against Tottenham(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo has been missing since coming off the bench against Leeds at Elland Road in December, although Slot has confirmed he is expected to make a return to training soon.

The Liverpool boss did urge caution though, given Endo has been out for over a month now with an ankle problem, so it seems we'll have to wait a little while longer to see the Japan international back in action.

Possible return date: Late January/early February

Giovanni Leoni

Like Bradley, Giovanni Leoni's season is already over. The young Italian suffered the cruelest of blows on his debut for the club, having had to be stretchered off against Southampton after tearing his ACL.

He underwent surgery soon after, but he isn't expected to return before the end of the season now.

Possible return date: 2026/27 season