Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp clarified his position on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain by claiming he would only provide an update on the 25-year-old when the midfielder is ready.
The former Arsenal star has continued his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury and participated in an U23 game against Derby.
The Englishman was replaced after 40 minutes as a precaution, and Klopp claimed that one of his mistakes in press conferences was getting excited about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return (h/t Liverpoolfc.com).
“I think one of the biggest mistakes I made [in press conferences] was being so excited about having Ox back – not because it’s not exciting having Ox back, it’s very exciting.”
The German added that the spotlight on the U23 game was rare and decided to scale things back regarding the midfielder.
“When he is back and when he is ready to be properly back then I will inform you.
“Until then, I will not speak about Ox.”
The manager seems to be taking a measured approach on the Ox and dialling things down will keep the spotlight off the 25-year-old.
Oxlade-Chamberlain should return to the side when he is completely ready, and we will have to wait and see when Klopp provides the next update.
It would be incredible if the Englishman gets to play before the end of the season but he should not be rushed into making a first-team appearance.
The Ox has been long for a long time and there will be a lot of excitement regarding his return. He has the rest of his career awaiting and Klopp seems to be doing everything to keep the pressure off him.
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