Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could return to first-team action as early as February or March.
The England international ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the 5-2 win over Roma back in April and was expected to be out for over a year.
However, at his pre-match press conference yesterday ahead of the Arsenal game, Klopp confirmed Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to make an early comeback:
“It’s the best news. He started going out on the pitch and from the first step looked completely normal. With Ox, from the first step, it looked like Ox. It was really nice and there was no reaction. No pressure on him, huh? It looks like February being back in normal training. Late February, maybe March. It gives us hope he will be back in this season.”
Supporters on Twitter were very happy to hear that the 25-year-old could be back before the end of the season:
music to my ears ❤️❤️❤️
— Indrie (@indriems) 28 December 2018
Honestly, I miss Ox playing more than Coutinho, because he was turning into a new, better Coutinho, someone who wants to play for us. Hope he comes back faster than expected
— Bryce (@Bryce_LFC) 28 December 2018
Massive if they could get him back for the run in. Anywhere near form of post-christmas last season is a wonderful player.
— Kevin Parlour (@KPParlour) 28 December 2018
Even with the new best players,we really missed him ❤️❤️❤️.
— Faisal (@faisal_1779) 28 December 2018
So probably mid April before he’s available for the bench. Good news to potentially have him off the bench for the final month of the season
— JD (@Notorious_93) 28 December 2018
Great news
— YOAZ (@Tjiaz) 28 December 2018
My god have we missed him .. just hope he gets back to his best
— Saket Dhodapkar (@saketdhodapkar) 28 December 2018
Amazing
— mo salah fan account (@souhairel_) 28 December 2018
5 appearances so he can get the PL medal please..
— LFC is Life! (@tweet4manuraag) 28 December 2018
Best news for ages
— Anya Leadbetter (@anyataylor4) 28 December 2018
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return could be a major boost for Liverpool’s title challenge. He played a crucial role in the closing months of last season in central midfield and could be poised to have the same impact this time around.
However, recovering from such a serious injury can take time. Even if he is back in action by March, it could be April or May before we start to see the best of him again.