Liverpool suffer injury setback as key player ruled out of Man City and Newcastle clashes.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Conor Bradley faces a spell on the sidelines after the Liverpool defender limped off in the closing moments of the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Bradley, who was substituted in for Trent Alexander-Arnold midway through the second half, suffered a muscle injury and will now undergo tests to determine the severity of the issue.

The Northern Ireland international previously missed six weeks this season due to a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League win over Real Madrid. While the extent of his current injury remains unclear, Slot is almost certain Bradley will be unavailable for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City and the home game against Newcastle three days later.

“It’s difficult,” Slot admitted. “He felt something while sprinting and tried to continue, but had to come off. When a player asks to be subbed off, it’s usually not a good sign. He’s 99.9% certain to miss City and I don’t expect him against Newcastle either. After that, we’ll see whether it’s a one- or two-week absence or something longer.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool were also without Cody Gakpo at Villa Park, but Slot remains hopeful the Dutch forward will be fit for the trip to the Etihad.