Liverpool star who is ‘one of the best’ could be out for even longer than first thought

Liverpool were plagued with injuries during the 2025-26 season.

Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni all suffered long-term injuries which kept them all out for decent chunks of the campaign.

This lack of availability coupled with the fact that Arne Slot's tactics were rather poor meant that nothing went right for Liverpool.

So, one thing they need to solve this season is why they ended up with so many absences and how they can add more depth to their ranks without breaking the bank.

But for now, they could have another massive problem on their hands with one of their star men potentially being side-lined for longer than fans first thought.

Liverpool want Andrei Ratiu which could mean Conor Bradley is out for a while

Going into the 2025-26 season, most Liverpool fans thought they'd be sorted at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley occupying that role.

But, as has been the case with most of the Reds' first-team squad, they both suffered huge injuries which kept them side-lined for an awfully long time.

Frimpong eventually returned from injury but in Bradley's case, he's still nowhere to be seen.

Some people suggested that he'd be back for the start of pre-season or even by the start of the new campaign but, after the latest transfer news to emerge from Anfield, it doesn't feel like that's the case anymore.

A recent report from Anfield Index shared that Liverpool have spoken to the representatives of Andrei Ratiu.

The Romanian right-back has a release clause worth around £21 million and is of interest to Barcelona as well as the Reds.

On paper, this sounds like the Reds are being smart as they're looking for cheaper options to plug the gaps of their squad.

But, in reality, the fact that they're looking for new right-backs is really concerning for Bradley as it could mean he's expected to be out for longer than first mentioned.

This would be a huge blow for Iraola, especially since Frimpong has proven that he isn't really a right-back.

Conor Bradley is way too injury prone for Liverpool to keep around

When fit, Bradley is easily one of the best right-backs in the Premier League with Pep Guardiola even claiming that himself.

The right-back is only 22 years old and, if he kept fit, he'd probably be one of the first names on Liverpool's team sheet.

He's the perfect Trent Alexander-Arnold successor as, not only does he have some attacking prowess but he can also defend.

However, due to the sheer number of injuries he seems to suffer every season, it's clear that the Anfield outfit can't rely on him to be their number one choice.

There's obviously no knowing what the future holds but, if Liverpool are already looking at signing a new right-back, it's clear that the club are considering Bradley's future.

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