Ibrahima Konate and Alexander Isak hand Liverpool fitness boosts

Bradley, who captained his country in their 2-0 win over Slovakia at Windsor Park on Friday, produced a man-of-the-match display and played a key role in the opening goal. However, a second-half booking means the 21-year-old will be unavailable for Monday's top-of-the-table clash with Germany.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill praised Bradley's performance but admitted frustration over the decision. "I have watched it back and he tries to pull out," O'Neill said. "The referee didn't want to hand out too many yellow cards, but if he was going to give one for that, he should have given more, especially to the opposition.

"Conor stood out as captain and it was great for him to lead the team on a night like this."

Northern Ireland remain second in their four-team group, level on goal difference with Germany, with only the group winner qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup.

Bradley's Liverpool team-mate Florian Wirtz featured for Germany and hit the post during their 4-0 win over Luxembourg. Elsewhere, striker Alexander Isak played the full 90 minutes for Sweden, his first complete match since May, but couldn't prevent a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.

There was better news for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, as defender Ibrahima Konate trained with France ahead of their 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan, easing concerns after his recent quad injury against Chelsea.

Forward Hugo Ekitike also impressed, starting for France and setting up Kylian Mbappe's opener.

In South America, Alexis Mac Allister came on for the final 12 minutes of Argentina's 1-0 friendly win over Venezuela in Miami.

Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi featured for Hungary's under-21s in a 3-3 draw with Ukraine, and winger Trent Kone-Doherty made a late appearance for the Republic of Ireland under-21s as they drew 2-2 with Slovakia.

Liverpool will return to Premier League action on 19 October when they welcome Manchester United to Anfield, with Slot hoping his returning internationals emerge unscathed from their remaining fixtures.

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