Andoni Iraola and Liverpool are currently in the USA as they prepare to play three pre-season friendlies against Leeds United, Sunderland and Wrexham.
The Spaniard has been seen putting his players through their paces but a lot of senior players have been missing due to multiple reasons.
Most of the 2026 FIFA World Cup contingent are yet to return, while a handful of others are still recovering from long-term injuries.
And now, Iraola has made an honest claim on Conor Bradley and Liverpool’s right-back conundrum.
Iraola rues Bradley’s injury hell for Liverpool
Bradley suffered a significant knee injury against Arsenal last season and has been out since then.
The talented right-back was set to nail down a starting spot last season after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, but that hasn’t been the case.
Bradley is expected to feature at some point during the 2026-27 season, but Iraola confirmed that he is still months away from returning to full fitness.
When asked about Liverpool’s right-back situation, the Spaniard responded, “It depends on Conor’s situation.
“A healthy Conor Bradley, we are ready to go and we don’t ask these questions [of a new right-back] because we trust him and he is our right-back but he is still far from returning. Defensive depth, we are very thin right now.”
Jeremie Frimpong has also had his fair share of injuries and the Dutchman has also struggled defensively in the Premier League, indicating that he is viewed more as a versatile squad option as opposed to being a starter.
Judging by Iraola’s comments, Bradley isn’t expected to return for the next few months at least, which could force the Reds to dip into the transfer market.
The Spaniard was a right-back during his playing career, so let’s hope his knowledge of the position allows Liverpool to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the transfer market.
