ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN has been dealt another cruel injury blow as Jurgen Klopp confirmed he suffered ankle ligament damage on Saturday.
The Liverpool star, 26, was forced off after 75 minutes of the Club World Cup final win over Flamengo – and returned to England on crutches, sporting a protective boot.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has sustained ankle ligament damange, says KloppCredit: Reuters
Oxlade-Chamberlain returned from the Club World Cup on crutchesCredit: Reuters
Klopp had initially seemed positive of a quick return to action, but has now revealed Oxlade-Chamberlain has ligament damage – with no timescale on his return.
Speaking ahead of the Reds’ top-of-the-table Boxing Day clash with Leicester, Klopp said: “With Oxlade, it’s what we expected.
“One of the [ankle] ligaments is damaged. I did the injury myself but it was years ago.
“It can take a while or be quickly. But he has no chance for the rest of the year. We have to see how it settles.”
Immediately after the Flamengo game, Klopp said: “I spoke a second ago with him. He feels OK. We will see. Of course, not perfect – far away from being perfect.
“But we will see if it’s a ligament stretch only or is ruptured, partly ruptured or whatever, we have to see.
“That’s a big shadow again but that’s how it is in contact sport. He seems to be OK.”
It is a bitter blow for Oxlade-Chamberlain who has back in full swing after missing nearly a year with a cruciate ligament rupture.
Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up the injury 75 minutes into the CWC finalCredit: PA:Press Association
Ox damaged his knee during the Champions League semi-final against Roma in the 2017-18 season.
And after returning late last season, the midfielder has been a key part of Klopp’s rotation, playing 24 matches in all competitions this term, scoring six times.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was also a part of Gareth Southgate’s most-recent England squad thanks to his sublime form this season.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
