Liverpool’s defensive depth is facing its ultimate test as Conor Bradley is ruled out for up to six months, leaving manager Arne Slot with a massive void at right-back for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Northern Irishman suffered a severe knee injury during the final minutes of Liverpool’s goalless draw against Arsenal. The incident, involving a controversial challenge by Gabriel Martinelli, has left fans fuming. While Martinelli has since apologized, the damage is done: Bradley is expected to be sidelined for four to six months, joining a growing injury list at Melwood.
The Post-Trent Void: Why Liverpool is Struggling
Since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile move to Real Madrid, Liverpool has struggled to find a permanent heir to the right-back throne. Conor Bradley was seen as the natural successor, but his long-term absence forces Arne Slot into an uncomfortable corner during the crucial January window.
Is it Time for Calvin Ramsay?
With Bradley out, the spotlight has shifted to Calvin Ramsay. Since his £4.2m move from Aberdeen in 2022, Ramsay’s Liverpool career has been stalled by injuries and multiple loan spells at Preston, Bolton, and Wigan.
- The Fan Consensus: A large section of the Anfield faithful is calling for Ramsay to finally be given a consistent run in the first team.
- The Risk: Ramsay has only three senior appearances for Liverpool in nearly four years, raising doubts about his readiness for the intensity of the Premier League and Champions League.
Transfer Market: The Marc Guéhi and Givairo Read Dilemma
Despite the injury crisis, Liverpool’s hierarchy led by Richard Hughes remains hesitant to spend this January.
- Marc Guéhi: The Crystal Palace captain remains the “dream” target for the summer. While reports from The Athletic’s Sam Lee suggest Guéhi prefers Liverpool over Manchester City, a January move is highly unlikely as the player wants to finish the season at Selhurst Park.
- Givairo Read: Arne Slot is reportedly a fan of the Feyenoord youngster, but Liverpool seems committed to finishing the season with internal solutions rather than making a panic buy.
Arne Slot’s Internal Solutions
If Ramsay doesn’t convince, Slot may be forced to continue improvising with Joe Gomez or shifting a midfielder to the right-back role a move that has drawn criticism from fans after recent performances.
