Alan Hutton backs Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to revitalise career away from Liverpool . (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Speaking to the Athletic (Subscription Required) after Liverpool beat Crystal Palace in their pre-season friendly, Jurgen Klopp confirmed a hamstring injury for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The midfielder was withdrawn prematurely against the Londoners in a match that finished 2-0 in the Reds’ favour. Speaking about the injury, the German manager said that he has seen this before with the Ox.
“It’s very disappointing for him and for us. Ox had trained all the time really well and had looked really good. It has happened in the past with Ox when he has had intense periods. This is just a muscle thing and we’ve had worse situations.”
Klopp still keeps his faith in him. Despite not using the Ox in the last couple of months during the latest campaign, he still believes the Englishman can be of use to the Reds.
“I don’t know exactly how long it will take. But he’ll come back and it will be all fine. He’s a top class player who can help us.”
Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker were two notable absentees from the friendly game held in Singapore. Giving a potential timeline on their return, Klopp claimed that Alisson could be back in time for the Community Shield game against Manchester City.
But as for Jota, it doesn’t seem likely. Oxlade-Chamberlain has failed to impress fans beyond his debut season with the club.
Sporadic minutes on the pitch and injuries have worked in tandem to make a vicious cycle that keeps him on the fringes of first-team action. Klopp has now himself admitted it in his quotes above.
He cannot really trust the Englishman during ‘intense’ periods and that makes him a dodgy option if Klopp wants to formulate a new midfield three for next season.
It remains to be seen if the German boss sticks to his word and hands the former Arsenal star some chances to help us next season.
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