Martinelli’s gesture and the serious injury that marks the Arsenal–Liverpool match

Liverpool’s full-back was injured against Arsenal in a controversial incident, will have to undergo surgery, and leaves Arne Slot’s team with only two options on the right flank

Injury in a controversial ending against Arsenal

Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, Conor Bradley, suffered a serious knee injury on Thursday during the goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Northern Irish defender was injured in the closing minutes of the match and became the protagonist of one of the most unfortunate images of the Premier League season.

After falling to the ground in visible pain, Gabriel Martinelli struck the ball at him and tried to push him off the pitch, believing he was time-wasting, which sparked major controversy in the final moments of the game.

Official confirmation from Liverpool

Bradley left the stadium wearing a significant knee brace, which already hinted at the seriousness of the issue. This Sunday, Liverpool officially confirmed that the player has suffered damage to both the ligament and the bone, and will therefore have to undergo surgery.

Season over and World Cup in doubt

The surgery rules Bradley out for the rest of the season and also casts doubt over his participation in the upcoming World Cup, should Northern Ireland qualify.

The full-back had established himself as the natural replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold following the England international’s move to Real Madrid, making his absence a significant blow to the team’s plans.

Arne Slot’s alternatives

Without Bradley, head coach Arne Slot has only two options at right-back:

Jeremie Frimpong, a more attack-minded option, although hampered by fitness issues throughout the season.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who has already played several matches in that position on an occasional basis.

A situation that forces Liverpool to reorganise their defence at a crucial stage of the campaign.