Liverpool face a period without defensive duo Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez as Arne Slot’s defensive options remain thin
With two injuries in the defensive department, should there be concerns? Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed that it will be a “while” before full-back Conor Bradley returns for the Reds – leaving just one senior defensive alternative.
The Northern Ireland international was forced off with a muscle injury, shortly after being introduced as a substitute, during the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa
It is the latest injury setback for the 21-year-old after an impressive season under the Dutchman’s debut campaign. His issue comes during an important period for Liverpool as they sit 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, in the Champions League knockout phase and continue to prepare for their Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United next month.
Already, Joe Gomez is out for an extended period of time after suffering an injury during the FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle earlier this month. Liverpool, as it stands, are light on alternatives at the back with Jarell Quansah posing as cover for both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Speaking on Tuesday, Slot said: “He [Bradley] is out for a few weeks.
“I cannot tell exactly how many but it is clear that he went off with a muscle injury and that it is going to take a while before he is back.”
Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been immune to injury problems of his own. A knee injury kept him out of the Carabao Cup final win last year and hampered his involvement during the title challenge in the latter stages of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
This season alone, the 26-year-old has had two stints on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, most recently which kept him out of the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Tottenham Hotspur and the FA Cup exit.
The staff at the AXA Training Centre have monitored Alexander-Arnold’s fitness since his recent hamstring problem. As a result, he has been substituted midway through their recent outings – including the draw with Villa, shortly after he equalised.
“But result-wise you never know if you would have done it differently what might have happened but it wasn’t smart to play Lucho 90 minutes again,” explained Slot last week.
The same way I had to take out Jota and Trent, both coming back from injuries. Jota hasn’t played for four or five months, it is his second start now after four or five months. So yeah, you have to take care of them, especially in a period of time where you play so many games.”
While there is the case not to rush back Bradley from his injury, there is a stronger argument to continue monitoring Alexander-Arnold’s involvement, while ensuring Quansah is up to match-sharpness after being brought on in each of the last three Premier League matches.
Liverpool supporters know first hand the seismic issues that injuries can cause within the ranks. The evidence is on display for their Premier League rivals, who have been clear in their struggles after mounting problems on the treatment table, the Reds have to ensure that they don’t play themselves into a defensive crisis – with such an advantage in the title race
