Conor Bradley injury update after Liverpool full back suffered nasty knee injury against Arsenal that sparked mass confrontation

Liverpool right back Conor Bradley is set to miss the remainder of the season with a significant knee injury suffered at Arsenal on Thursday night.

The Northern Ireland international will undergo surgery in the coming days after going down in the late stages of the 0-0 draw at the Emirates, an incident which caused ligament and bone problems.

Should Northern Ireland qualify for the World Cup in the play-offs, there is a chance Bradley could make it – but it is far too early to put a specific timeframe on his recovery.

Bradley went down clutching his knee in north London and was pushed off the pitch by Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, who also dropped the ball on him while the right back was in agony on the floor.

Pundit Gary Neville described the Gunners’ player as ‘a disgrace’.

The 22-year-old has been troubled by injuries during his early career with a back issue and a couple of muscular problems but this is the worst setback for Bradley, who broke through under Jurgen Klopp after a positive loan spell at Bolton Wanderers.

Gabriel Martinelli sparked a mass confrontation by trying to push an injured Bradley off the pitch

It also is a timely blow for Liverpool who also have young centre back Giovanni Leoni out for the season. Joe Gomez can deputise at both right back and centre half but boss Arne Slot might need to delve into the academy for further depth.

The Reds have thus far remained firm on their stance that they will not act in the January transfer market due to their injuries but it remains to be seen whether the Bradley blow changes that.

Striker Alexander Isak is also a long-term absentee while Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. His Egypt side play Senegal in the semi-final in Tangier on Wednesday night.