'The comeback starts now': Liverpool's Conor Bradley after knee surgery

Liverpool's Conor Bradley (left) and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli battle for the ball. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley is fully focused on his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on a season-ending knee injury.

The Tyrone native, 22, was carried off in the closing stages of the Reds' goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal last Thursday.

He faces a race to recover in time for this summer's World Cup, should his country qualify through the play-offs.

"A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now," Bradley posted on Instagram.

"It won't be for a little while but I already can't wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Thanks for all the support."

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli apologised for throwing the ball at Bradley and then attempting to push him off the pitch as he lay injured on the turf at Emirates Stadium.

The right-back, who has 30 caps for Northern Ireland, has made 21 Liverpool appearances this season, having missed a number of matches with a hamstring problem.

PA