Bradley's Champions League inclusion signals Liverpool's intent to phase out Frimpong

Liverpool have named Conor Bradley in their UEFA Champions League squad despite the right-back remaining sidelined with a knee injury, a decision that casts a shadow over Jeremie Frimpong’s place in Andoni Iraola’s plans as the Reds prepare to host Atlético Madrid next Wednesday at Anfield.

Bradley has been absent since suffering a severe knee injury against Arsenal in January, but his inclusion in the squad list — alongside fellow injured defender Giovanni Leoni — points to an internal expectation that he will return to fitness before the competition reaches its later stages. Leoni is reportedly set to resume training during the upcoming international break, with Bradley’s return expected to follow shortly after.

Frimpong, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, has endured a difficult start to life at Anfield. Across his opening two Premier League appearances — both draws — the Dutchman won just six of sixteen duel or tackle attempts, with Liverpool conceding four goals across those matches. The performances have drawn sustained criticism from supporters who believe the level of output falls short of what a title-challenging side requires.

Also absent from the Champions League squad are Federico Chiesa, who has picked up a muscle injury, and Wataru Endo. Their places have been allocated to Ekitike and Leoni, both of whom are currently unavailable. Hugo Ekitike has been sidelined since suffering an injury on his Liverpool debut last September.

Liverpool qualified for this season’s Champions League despite a turbulent campaign under former head coach Arne Slot, securing their place with one of the lowest points tallies to achieve that feat in the Premier League era. Iraola has since taken charge, and the club’s European return begins at home against Atlético Madrid.

Bradley’s inclusion in the squad carries a dual message: it reflects the shortage of natural right-back options available to Iraola, while simultaneously signalling that the club views the Northern Irishman as the preferred long-term solution in that position. Whether Frimpong can arrest his early-season dip in form before Bradley is fit enough to challenge for the starting berth may prove one of the more consequential subplot of Liverpool’s European campaign.