Klopp encouraged by Oxlade-Chamberlain progress despite injury setback

Jurgen Klopp says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is “unlucky” to have picked up a minor calf injury during the Reds’ US tour.

The midfielder is working his way back to full match fitness after spending most of last season on the sidelines.

And despite the latest setback, his manager is please with the progress his No.15 has made in recent weeks.

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“He has been a bit unlucky with a calf problem,”Klopp said. “It is not a tear but something he has from time to time when the intensity gets too high for him.

“He had to get through the first 20 minutes [against Sporting Lisbon] when he was really involved and then he felt it.

“Then he was not part of the game anymore, which is not too cool for the others if there is someone on and off.

“Apart from that he has made all the sessions, which is unbelievably important. That is very positive.”

Klopp added: “I would be happy if we start at the similar level to last year. That would not be bad. There is space for improvement.

“It is easy to plan what you want to improve in the office but then you miss three players or four others are not there and it becomes a theoretical part of football and you have to throw the plans in the bin so often, sometimes ten minutes before a game.

“Stability, consistency, fighting for results. It is all important. Consistency on a high level is most important.

“If we can do that again it can be annoying playing against us and we must come again so they think when they play Liverpool or go to Anfield it is not fun.

“Last year was good and obviously we have not changed much. The boys should be there again to make the next step. They are older and more experienced.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com