ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN is a doubt for the start of the season after picking up a knee injury in training.
The Liverpool midfielder suffered a knock from a challenge during the side’s pre-season camp in Austria.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is a doubt for the start of Liverpool’s Premier League title defenceCredit: Reuters
England star Oxlade-Chamberlain, 27, was flown back to Melwood to begin his rehab with Liverpool’s medical team.
Boss Jurgen Klopp said the Ox’s injury was similar to the one Jordan Henderson suffered against Brighton towards the end of last season.
He said: “Really unfortunate. An unfortunate situation as well, it was a challenge [in training].
“It looks very similar to what Hendo had, which keeps him out for – we don’t know for sure exactly how long.
“But for this pre-season he will not make a game.
“Arsenal for sure not, and then we will see.
“The next game is probably two weeks later, but I don’t know.
“We have to wait but it is far away from being perfect, of course.
“It is really hard for him and hard for us, but it is not to change.”
This is the latest setback for the champions, who had a person in their camp test positive for coronavirus.
It is not known if it was a player or a member of staff.
Austria is also set to be added to the UK’s quarantine list – but Klopp insists their camp will continue.
The club also have friendly matches lined up against Stuttgart and Red Bull Salzburg.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered with injuries in the past.
He missed the side’s 2018 Champions League final defeat after having knee surgery following an injury sustained in the semi-final against Roma.
Arsenal give Liverpool and former Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a guard of honour
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
