Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp provided an encouraging update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, claiming the midfielder could play a part this season.
The Englishman suffered a horrible knee injury in our Champions League tie against AS Roma and Sky Sports reported that the Ox would miss the majority of this season. However, the 25-year-old posted a picture of him training on the pitch, and our manager claimed Ox looked “normal” on the pitch.
The German added that there is no pressure on the Englishman before sharing a timeline for his possible return (h/t Sky Sports):
“No pressure on him, but it looks like it may be February back in normal training – late February, March, so that gives us hope that he will be back this season.”
The manager further provided a word of warning that many things could happen with a player being out for so long, but the Ox’s return has put smiles all around.
Klopp finished by suggesting that Oxlade-Chamberlain was ahead of schedule regarding his return and believed he could play this season.
“If he makes further steps like he did in the last few weeks, he can play Premier League football this season.”
The 25-year-old was certainly getting better with each game last season, and the injury came at the worst possible time. Ox missed two huge football events – the Champions League final and the World Cup, but his return could be the massive boost we need for the rest of the campaign.
We must take it slow with his rehab but all signs look great for the 25-year-old to have a say in our title challenge before the season ends.
