Liverpool handed massive injury blow as key defender ruled out until the end of the season: Reports

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has reportedly been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Northern Irishman suffered a knee injury in the goalless draw against Arsenal on January 8.

Bradley went down in pain towards the end of the Reds' Premier League clash against Arsenal on Thursday. The Times has now reported that the defender will be out of action for the rest of the season. He has avoided an ACL injury but suffered damage to his ligaments and bone.

Bradley has been a key player for Liverpool this season following Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid last summer. He has made 21 appearances across competitions and also provided two assists. He has started in 13 of these games, over the likes of Jeremie Frimpong.

The 22-year-old came through the Merseysiders' academy and has made 78 senior appearances for them, recording one goal and 13 assists. He has also earned 30 caps for Northern Ireland. They are set to face Czechia in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March.

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Gabriel Martinelli apologized after reaction towards Liverpool star Conor Bradley's injury

Conor Bradley went down in stoppage time against Arsenal in their Premier League clash. He held his knee in pain near the touchline, with Gabriel Martinelli near him. The Brazilian winger first threw the ball at the Liverpool defender before trying to move him off the pitch.

The incident led to major backlash for Martinelli, who stated in an Instagram story:

“Conor and I have messaged and I’ve already apologized to him. I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment. I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”

Manchester United legend Gary Neville, meanwhile, slammed Martinelli for his reaction, saying on Sky Sports:

"Oh you can't push him off the pitch. You cannot do that, you idiot. That's so poor. I'm surprised the Liverpool players haven't gone over and had a right pop at him. I think an apology is needed. He's thrown the ball at him as well. Yeah, it's no good."

"Gonna be stretchered off Conor Bradley, and it's a sad sight. He's someone who has had injuries. I'm actually fuming with Martinelli. Honestly, I don't know how the Liverpool players didn't go over there and whack him, to be honest with you and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful, that," he added.

The FA (Football Association) has confirmed that it will not take any retrospective action against the Arsenal star.