Liverpool’s defender is nearing a return to action following a ‘crazy’ summer admission.

Liverpool’s defender is nearing a return to action following a ‘crazy’ summer admission.

Conor Bradley, a Liverpool youngster, could return to action this evening after a lengthy injury layoff.

Conor Bradley would have preferred a less painful example of him becoming fully integrated into the Liverpool first-team squad.

When the 20-year-old, after featuring in the opening two pre-season friendlies in Germany, was surprisingly not on the plane that jetted out on tour to Singapore, his absence was explained as a “minor injury”.

Reds fans have grown accustomed to such a phrase being used as shorthand for a stint on the bench that lasts a little longer than it appears. Nonetheless, the news that Bradley would be out for more than three months due to a stress fracture in his back was a significant shock and setback.

Bradley started the friendlies against Karlsruhe and Greuther Furth in the inverted right-back role after returning to Liverpool buoyant after a hugely impressive loan season at League One side Bolton Wanderers.

“It’s a shame about Conor because he was doing really well,” Jurgen Klopp said at the time, despite the fact that the Northern Ireland international had already spoken about seizing the initiative in the summer.

“It just feels different to the last time I’ve been on pre-season,” he told reporters. “I’m fighting for a spot right now; I want to be a part of this squad.” I’d say I’m a much better player than I was the last time I was here. It’s been mad the last couple of years, but I just want to keep working, keep going, and see where it takes me.”

Bradley would have had opportunities in the Europa League and League Cup, in particular. This season, Academy graduates Jarell Quansah and Luke Chambers, as well as teenager Ben Doak, have all started for the first team, with James McConnell and Caleb Scanlon making their debuts as substitutes.

Bradley, who made five senior Liverpool appearances in 2021/22, is now fully recovered and has resumed full training with the first-team squad. And, with Klopp indicating on Friday that the youngster needs to gain minutes and match sharpness with the under-21s, a first chance could present itself this evening when Liverpool face Burnley in the Lancashire Senior Cup at Leyland.

Bradley has been joined in training by fellow youngster Kaide Gordon, who started the EFL Trophy match at Barrow earlier this month, taking a significant step in his quest for fitness after more than 18 months out. He’s another player pushing for more playing time tonight.

However, Bobby Clark, who impressed during pre-season but saw his first-team chances thwarted by an untimely injury, is not expected to return until the New Year.