I’ve been waiting for some genuinely encouraging news about Conor Bradley, and finally we have it.
After months of watching Liverpool’s right-back situation become a talking point, Andoni Iraola has revealed that Bradley is getting closer to training with the group again.
He won’t be returning to full training just yet, but the Liverpool manager’s latest update is certainly a step in the right direction.
“Conor is not so far from training with the group – not like full training but doing some things with the group.”
That is what Iraola told reporters, with Paul Gorst among those reporting the update.
And honestly, I’m delighted to hear it.
Bradley has had a frustrating time since suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January. He has spent months working his way back, and after such a long absence, seeing him edge closer to his teammates is a real positive.
Liverpool have missed Bradley
I don’t think we should underestimate how important Bradley could be to this Liverpool team.
He brings energy, aggression and a willingness to get forward, but he is also a proper defender who enjoys competing with opponents.
When fit, he has shown that he can handle the demands of playing for Liverpool.
The problem has been keeping him available.
That is why this update matters. Bradley isn’t simply returning from a minor knock that kept him out for a couple of weeks. He is coming back from a significant injury that has kept him out for most of the year.
There is bound to be a process involved before he can return to competitive football.
And that process needs to be handled properly.
Araújo has done well – but Bradley gives Iraola another option
Ronald Araújo has provided Liverpool with a useful option at right-back during Bradley’s absence.
His defensive qualities have been particularly encouraging, and Iraola has been able to use him to give the back line more security.
But having Bradley available again would give the manager a different profile in that position.
Bradley is energetic, aggressive and comfortable getting forward. He can offer Liverpool a more natural right-back option while allowing Araújo to provide cover at centre-back or compete for his own place.
That flexibility could be valuable over a long season.
And with Liverpool facing a demanding run of fixtures, having another defender working towards a return is welcome news.
But please, Liverpool, don’t rush him
This is the important part.
I want Bradley back as much as anybody, but I don’t want the club taking unnecessary risks with him.
Iraola has been careful with his language. Bradley is approaching some group training, but he is not yet ready for full training.
There is still a difference between joining parts of a session, completing full training and being ready for the intensity of a Premier League match.
Liverpool need to let him progress through those stages without putting pressure on him to return too soon.
We have seen how frustrating long-term injuries can be, and the priority must be getting Bradley back properly rather than getting him back quickly.
If that means waiting a little longer, so be it.
This could be a big boost for the months ahead
I’m encouraged by the update because it suggests Bradley is moving towards the next stage of his rehabilitation.
There is still work to do, and Iraola hasn’t put a definitive return date on him. We shouldn’t assume he will be available for Liverpool’s next game simply because he is getting closer to group training.
But this is progress.
Bradley has had to be patient, and now there is a clearer sign that he is approaching a return to working alongside his teammates.
Liverpool have coped without him, but having him back would give Iraola another valuable option in defence.
For now, I’m just glad Conor Bradley is getting closer.
Let him take the next step, build up his fitness and return when he is genuinely ready.
Liverpool have missed him, and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in a red shirt.
Hopefully, the difficult part is finally nearing its end.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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