Stephen Warnock has revealed he has one major concern about the prospect of Conor Bradley replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back.

As the weeks go on, that possibility is looking increasingly likely as Alexander-Arnold’s contract negotiations continue and the threat of a transfer to Real Madrid looms in the distance. The 26-year-old has less than six months remaining on his deal at Anfield and is free to negotiate terms with foreign clubs.

Last week Real saw a £20m ($25m) offer knocked back for the England international and he put in a woeful performance against Manchester United on the back of the increased media spotlight.

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Alexander-Arnold was criticised by the likes of Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher after the 2-2 draw at Anfield, with the latter even claiming the defender’s representatives would have been aware of Real’s intentions to make a January offer.

Bradley replaced Alexander-Arnold in the final stages against United and the Northern Irishman could find himself as the long-term solution at right-back. However, Warnock is concerned that his injury record at such an early age means he might not be able to play every game in football’s ever-expanding calendar.

“It would be a blow [to lose Alexander-Arnold] because he can change games single-handedly with his passing ability and it’s always nice to have local lads in the team,” the former Liverpool left-back said, in conjunction with SpinBet Online Casino.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Conor Bradley being a great replacement, but my concern is that he’s picked up a few injuries already, so he hasn’t fully grown into his body yet and is probably not ready to play week after week.

“Whereas Trent from an early age was able to do that. That would be my major concern, that you are going to lose a right-back and not have a replacement.”

Bradley returned to the team on Sunday following a six-week injury lay-off after he sustained a hamstring injury against Real Madrid in November. The 21-year-old also suffered back and ankle injuries last season.

He has impressed when called upon by Arne Slot, with a crunching tackle on Kylian Mbappe a highlight earlier this term. But the hamstring injury and playing second fiddle to Alexander-Arnold have limited the academy graduate to just one start each in the Premier League and Champions League this term.