Arne Slot Fears the Worst for Conor Bradley as He Addresses Furious Arsenal Row

Liverpool boss admits concern over Conor Bradley injury after knee scare at the Emirates as Gabriel Martinelli incident sparks touchline fury

Liverpool have been left anxiously awaiting scan results after Conor Bradley injury cast a dark cloud over their goalless Premier League draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on January 8, 2026.

The 22-year-old right-back suffered a serious-looking knee problem in the second half following what initially appeared to be a routine challenge. Bradley immediately clutched his knee, prompting medical staff to rush onto the pitch before he was stretchered off and replaced by Joe Gomez.

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Images of Bradley later leaving the stadium on crutches heightened fears among Liverpool supporters, with the defender visibly distressed as he made his way to the team bus.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot did little to ease concerns when addressing the media after full-time. The Dutchman admitted the early signs were worrying.

“It’s a knee injury and we’ll have to wait for the scans, but it doesn’t look good,” Slot said.
“Conor is a strong character, but when a player reacts like that, you fear the worst.”

Slot’s comments suggest Bradley could face a lengthy absence, with ligament damage now a genuine concern. Any extended spell on the sidelines would represent a significant blow given Liverpool’s congested fixture list across domestic and European competitions.

Gabriel Martinelli Incident Sparks On-Field Fury

Tensions escalated further when Gabriel Martinelli appeared to shove Bradley while the Liverpool defender lay injured on the turf, seemingly attempting to restart play quickly.

The incident drew furious reactions from Liverpool’s technical area, and pundits criticised it heavily, with several branding the moment “disgraceful” given Bradley’s condition.

Slot addressed the flashpoint calmly, stopping short of directly accusing the Arsenal winger of wrongdoing.

“I didn’t like what I saw,” Slot explained.
“Maybe he thought Conor was wasting time, but when a player suffers an injury like that, you have to respect the situation.”

The FA may yet review the moment, and officials have not ruled out retrospective action.

Despite losing one of their standout performers, Liverpool showed resilience and secured a 0-0 draw that preserved their position at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal created chances to break the deadlock but failed to capitalise, while the match stayed tense and combative throughout. The draw keeps both sides firmly in the title race, though attention has since shifted away from the football itself.

Slot praised his players’ composure and highlighted their ability to remain disciplined amid a heated atmosphere.

What Happens Next for Conor Bradley?

Bradley has emerged as one of Liverpool’s breakout stars this season, and observers have praised his energy, defensive intelligence, and attacking output from right-back.

Liverpool now await scan results to determine the full extent of the injury. Early indications suggest he could miss several weeks, if not months — a scenario that would test Slot’s squad depth during a crucial stage of the campaign.

Fans will remember the Emirates stalemate less for the scoreline and more for the Conor Bradley injury that has left Liverpool fearing the worst. As scan results loom, Arne Slot’s measured response and leadership stand out, while questions continue to surround Gabriel Martinelli’s conduct.

All eyes now focus on Bradley’s recovery timeline — and whether the Premier League will take further action.

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