Liverpool defender ruled out for ‘a while’ ahead of title run-in

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed Conor Bradley will need “a few weeks” on the sidelines to recover from a muscle injury.

Bradley limped off during the midweek draw with Aston Villa and missed the victory over Manchester City, with Slot admitting the right-back was also set to miss Wednesday’s clash with Newcastle United as well.

Offering a fresh update on Bradley ahead of the game, Slot confirmed the Northern Ireland international will need longer than expected before he is back in training.

“Conor doesn’t [train with us], he will be out for a few weeks.” Slot told his pre-match press conference. “I cannot tell exactly how many but it was clear he went off with a muscle injury.

“That’s going to take a while before he is back.”

There was, thankfully, some positive news from Slot, who confirmed Alexis Mac Allister is healthy despite ending the victory over City with a black eye.

“I think he will [be fine],” Slot said on Tuesday. “He will train with us today.”

Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton remain unavailable for Liverpool, while forward Diogo Jota’s minutes are being managed. Slot confirmed the Portugal international did not want to start against City as he did not feel he was “fully recovered” after starting two games in a row.