Liverpool are expected to be without defender Conor Bradley for several weeks after he limped out of their draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The Reds face Manchester City this weekend, followed by Newcastle United in midweek, with Eddie Howe bringing his side to Anfield on Wednesday, February 26.
However, Arne Slot has confirmed that Northern Ireland international Bradley is set for a few weeks on the sidelines following the Villa Park draw. The 21-year-old had been a second-half replacement for goalscorer Trent Alexander-Arnold, but was forced off before the end of the game with a muscle injury.
Liverpool are already without defender Joe Gomez for the forthcoming games, while forward Cody Gakpo again sat out the Aston Villa match with a knock, although he could return on Sunday against Man City.
“It’s difficult,” Slot said of Bradley. “He felt a bit when he made a sprint. He tried to continue but had to go out. All the time with injuries, I always say if a player wants to go out himself, that’s not a promising sign.
“That will probably lead to the fact he’s 99.9% sure not available for City and I don’t expect him (to play) against Newcastle as well. Then we have to see if it’s one or two weeks or if it’s going to be even longer.”
The draw at Villa Park moved Liverpool eight points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, although they have now played a game more than the Gunners. Newcastle will go Anfield next week looking to get their bid for a Champions League place back on track, and face Nottingham Forest first at St James’ Park on Sunday.
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