John Aldridge has suggested that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can provide Liverpool with a massive boost in the final part of their title challenge.
The midfielder has been out since last April with a ruptured cruciate ligament, but is expected to make a return in the near future and has travelled with the Reds for their warm weather training trip to Marbella.
Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge backed the 25-year-old to make a big impact on his return.
He said: “Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is chomping at the bit. He wants to play tomorrow but you can’t coming back from an injury like that.
“He’s getting closer though and it’s a big boost for him and will give everyone a lift during the final weeks of the season.”
OPINION
The Ox’s injury was a real blow, not just for Liverpool, but for the player himself with a World Cup just around the corner. To come back from an absence as long and crushing as his takes real mental, as well as physical, strength, and it will be a massive boost to his teammates and to the Reds’ supporters to have his energy back in the engine room. When Oxlade-Chamberlain made the move to Anfield from Arsenal at the beginning of last season, there’ll have been a fair few questioning the wisdom of pulling out nearly £40 million on a player who struggled to hold down a first team place at the Emirates, but up until his horrendous injury in the Champions League semi-final he had more than justified Jurgen Klopp’s faith in him. The 25-year-old was made to play the German’s brand of heavy metal football, and it’s having him back out on the pitch when the title race comes to a head will be like having a brand new signing.
