Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that the fans have the right to get excited regarding the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But the German has informed that he won’t take any risks and would wait for the player to be fully ready.
The Ox damaged his ACL in the Champions League semi-final against AS Roma last season and has not played since. The midfielder did share updates on his road to recovery and has posted a few videos recently. Klopp was speaking to Liverpoolfc.com about the ex-Arsenal man and his recovery to full fitness:
“I loved it like the fans loved it, if they loved it! It is just brilliant!
“I didn’t lie, I said when you see him moving it is just unbelievable, he looks completely fine. The situation is now that we have to build endurance.”
Klopp added that Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to get used to the intensity of the game before featuring in top-flight football. The former also said that the latter is not injured any more, but that he is just not match-fit.
“I don’t think we talk about patience so much now, he needs fitness. He is not injured anymore, that’s what I would say, but he is not match-fit and that’s a massive difference.”
“There is no reason for any risk. We want to keep him fit and healthy and use him for the next years.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Ox certainly seems close to fitness, and he could still play a huge role before the season ends. The Englishman’s drive and intensity in the midfield is something the Reds could use. His goals and assists were huge last season, especially the stunning hit against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final.
