Liverpool Injury Update: Conor Bradley Nears Return as Hugo Ekitike Progresses

Conor Bradley closes in on Liverpool group training as Ekitike stays on schedule

Liverpool have received a long-awaited injury boost, with Conor Bradley nearing a return to group work and Hugo Ekitike progressing as planned. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the updates, also revealing that Giovanni Leoni could be back in training after the next international break.

Competition: Premier League
Key update: Conor Bradley is not far from training with the group
Also progressing: Hugo Ekitike is a little behind but on schedule
Leoni timeline: Possible return to training in the next international break
Manager: Andoni Iraola provided the update
At stake: Liverpool could welcome back three long-term absentees, easing a season shaped by injuries

What was said

"They are both doing very well. I think they are in a good place. Conor is not so far from training with the group – not like full training but doing some things with the group."
— Andoni Iraola, on Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike

"Hugo is a little bit behind that but that was always the plan. He is still doing very well according to the plan."
— Andoni Iraola, on Hugo Ekitike's recovery

"It’s difficult (to put a timescale on them both). When they have been injured for so long it’s difficult to say but I think Conor is not very far from starting doing things with us."
— Andoni Iraola, on return timelines

Iraola’s comments offer clarity on a situation that has lacked concrete updates. Bradley is edging closer to partial involvement with the squad, but the manager stressed that full training remains a separate step. Ekitike, meanwhile, is following a carefully managed plan, with no artificial deadlines imposed.

The tone is measured but optimistic. Liverpool have missed both players for extended periods, and their eventual returns would provide fresh options. Iraola’s refusal to set a firm date reflects the unpredictable nature of long-term rehabilitation, especially for injuries as serious as Ekitike’s.

Injury and availability

Conor Bradley: Out since January with a serious knee injury sustained late in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal. Ligament damage was avoided, but the injury has kept him sidelined for months. He is now close to doing some things with the group, though full training is still to come.

Hugo Ekitike: Ruptured his Achilles tendon in April. He has been splitting recovery between Kirkby and the United States, where he has worked with a specialist. He is a little behind Bradley but is progressing according to plan.

Giovanni Leoni: Suffered an ACL injury on his debut after signing from Parma last summer. The latest expectation is that he could return to training in the next international break.

Analysis: Liverpool's injury situation is finally easing

The return of Conor Bradley to group training would be a significant boost for Liverpool. The right-back has been absent since January, leaving a void in defence. His ability to join partial sessions suggests he is in the final stages of rehabilitation, though match fitness will take longer. Iraola’s cautious approach is sensible; rushing him back could risk re-injury.

Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles rupture was always going to require patience. The decision to split his recovery between Kirkby and the United States shows a tailored approach, and the fact he remains on schedule is encouraging. However, he is still behind Bradley, and Liverpool will not rush him. The striker’s return would add depth to the attack, but the priority is his long-term health.

Giovanni Leoni’s potential return after the international break offers hope. The young defender suffered brutal luck with an ACL injury on his debut, but a return to training would be a positive step. With Liverpool’s season shaped by absences, getting bodies back could be crucial for the final stretch. None of these returns guarantee instant solutions, but they represent progress.

Talking points

Should Liverpool ease Bradley back gently or throw him in once he’s fit? His absence has been felt, but match sharpness is key.
Ekitike’s recovery has been long; is it wise to rely on him for goals this season, or should Liverpool look elsewhere?
Leoni’s ACL injury was unlucky; can he still become a key player, or will the setback hinder his development?
With three players nearing returns, does Iraola now have a selection headache, or is it a welcome problem?

What happens next

Liverpool will continue to monitor Bradley and Ekitike in training, with the former potentially joining group sessions soon. Leoni’s return is pencilled in for after the next international break. The club’s medical staff will assess their progress, and Iraola will hope to have all three available for the busy fixture period ahead. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining their availability for key matches.

Frequently asked questions

When will Conor Bradley return to training?

Andoni Iraola said Bradley is "not so far from training with the group – not like full training but doing some things with the group." No exact date has been set.

How is Hugo Ekitike's recovery progressing?

Ekitike is a little behind Bradley but is doing very well according to plan. He ruptured his Achilles in April and has been working between Kirkby and the United States.