When Conor Bradley went down with a nasty knee injury earlier this year in the match against Arsenal that ended his season, there were some at Liverpool who thought we wouldn't see him at all the rest of 2026.
While his season was finished, the Northern Ireland international has been working hard to accelerate his return as best he can following such a brutal injury.
Liverpool saw several players operate at right-back once Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid early last summer. Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai are some of the names to have played on the right extensively.
However, some positive news on Bradley's rehab could alter the perspective going forward at the club.
Conor Bradley gets a potential return date
Liverpool journalist David Lynch wrote an update on his Substack that Bradley "is understood to be targeting a return to training shortly after the new season starts. That said, Liverpool will take a cautious approach with the Northern Ireland international after such a lengthy lay-off, easing him back in in the hope of avoiding further setbacks."
So, a return just as the new season is getting underway would mean that new coach Andoni Iraola would be getting a strong asset back into place early enough where he can still be integrated.
I agree with the cautious approach as Bradley has missed more than 50 games due to various injuries, but his talent is undeniable when he is on the pitch.
This could mean that Frimpong is seen as the starter until Conor Bradley makes a triumphant return sometime in the autumn. However, how slowly the club brings him back from his injury will be interesting to see as they were very safe with Alexander Isak who had a severe leg injury of his own.
Either way you view it, Liverpool getting a clearer timeline for Bradley to return should be taken as excellent news heading into the summer transfer window.
Liverpool wants clarity at right-back before the new season
Until Bradley is fully fit once again, there is going to be a dilemma for Iraola to sort out at the back as Frimpong, the clear favorite for minutes, has had fitness concerns of his own since joining the Reds.
Perhaps missing out on the World Cup and getting a full summer to recover and reset is just what the Dutchman will need to hit the ground running in 2026/27.
I don't think Iraola wants to stick Szoboszlai back there again for extended periods, as his diverse game should thrive in an advanced role in the new system. That could mean one of two things, Calvin Ramsay seeing more opportunities or the club dipping into the transfer market.
The 22-year old has struggled for any real minutes at Anfield, despite being healthy and there being a clear hole at right-back. Arne Slot simply would not allow him in, so it will be interesting to see how Iraola feels on him.
The fact that Liverpool were even lightly linked with former Inter Milan RWB Denzel Dumfries should be a sign they are at least looking for opportunities to strengthen.
With Bradley now on a manageable timeline, do they want to go big-game hunting at the position? Probably not. However, finding a contributor that has upside is a definite option.
Frimpong can be played further up as needed as well, so if Iraola doesn't trust Ramsay and wants more stability in that role, look for the Reds to pursue one or two targets to cover until Conor is back.
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