Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is ruled out for the remainder of the season. The former Arsenal man will likely be missing the imminent FIFA World Cup in Russia. He was a good candidate for Gareth Southgate’s first eleven.
Chamberlain suffered knee ligament damage following a challenge with Roma defender Alexander Kolorov early in his sides’ epic 5-2 first leg victory over Roma.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, his midfield woes
This latest set back will prove to be a devastating blow for Oxlade-Chamberlain. He arrived already frustrated at getting inadequate game time in Arsenal’s central midfield. Often deployed out wide as a winger or wing-back, this was the catalyst for his leaving the Gunners.
The unhappy star moved to Merseyside in the summer for a fee of around £35 million, where he’s being shining in recent months. Quickly proving to be an influential player for the Reds in the centre of midfield. His goal in the 3-0 victory over Manchester City in their recent Champion’s League clash being the highlight so far.
Coupled with the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Three Lions squad for the World Cup, Chamberlain may have to just watch a possible Champions League final. Liverpool are firm favourites to see out the tie, with a three-goal cushion following their 5-2 victory over Roma.
5 Star finish for the Reds
Liverpool winger Mohammed Salah and striker Roberto Firmino scored a brace each, finished off with a Sadio Mane goal. It was a spectacular display from the Reds, who looked to be sailing through.
A late Edin Dzeko finish followed though to even out the score a little. Then a cool penalty from Diego Perotti given against James Milner. Thus gifting Roma a glimmer of hope with two vital away goals. Not what Klopp perhaps expected.
In the previous round of this cup, Roma knocked out Spanish giants Barcelona. In similar circumstances to those they face in the second leg in Rome. Jurgen Klopp’s men should thus be wary of complacency against the battling Italians.
Class from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 👏👏👏 https://t.co/R7kCnNAZTz
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 25, 2018
