Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could return to training by February

Jurgen Klopp revealed some surprising news during his pre-match press conference today – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, and could return to training in February.

The creative midfielder sustained a serious knee injury during Liverpool’s semi-final first leg against Roma in the Champions League and was ruled out for the entire 2018-19 season as a result.

However, Klopp delivered the positive update today that Oxlade-Chamberlain is on course to return to Liverpool squad contention by early spring.

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Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain grimaces on the ground after getting injured during the Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Liverpool and AS Roma at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Tuesday, April 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

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“It’s the best news. He started going out on the pitch and from the first step looked completely normal,” said Klopp, according to Talksport.

“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.

“It’s a surprise [his rehab]. It looks really good. Of course it needs time and each little muscle must now adapt to the intensity.

“If you look at the sessions he does outside he looks like he can play tomorrow but of course it is not possible. It’s a boost for the entire dressing room because he is such a big part of that.

“It’s a surprise. He’s ahead of schedule. That’s always good news. We try not to push him too much but we don’t want to hold him back.

“If he makes further steps like he did in the last few weeks he can play Premier League football this season which is nice to know.”

The news will come as a huge boost to Klopp and the whole Liverpool squad as they work to stay top of the Premier League until the end of the season.

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Source: anfieldhq.com