Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has returned to the sidelines with what manager, Jurgen Klopp, characterised as a “serious” hamstring injury.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was taken off during Liverpool’s friendly win over Crystal Palace earlier in July after starting just nine Premier League games for the Reds the previous season and he has not been back since. Klopp stated that he does not anticipate Oxlade-Chamberlain returning soon ahead of their Community Shield matchup against Manchester City on Saturday.
“It’s a serious hamstring injury and it will take longer,” the German manager said. “But it’s a hamstring, and we all hate this word, we hate the injury but anyway it happens from time to time and now Ox was the one.”
On a brighter note, Klopp stated that the 28-year-old midfielder will not require surgery, which should shorten his recuperation period. That is good news as Oxlade-Chamberlain’s post-Arsenal career has been rocked by a series of injury layoffs, which have not helped his progress.
In addition, Klopp provided an update on Caoimhin Kelleher, a backup goalkeeper who, like Alisson, has been ruled out due to injury for the trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Adrian is expected to start the game in his place.