Jurgen Klopp has provided a positive update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s possible return date insisting the midfielder could return early on the pitch.
The former Arsenal midfielder injured his right knee in the Champions League semifinal against AS Roma and later it was revealed the player suffered ligament damage.
He had to undergo a surgery and started his rehab in a bid to recover from the injury. It had been expected the player could be available for the latter part of the ongoing season but given the current situation it seems he can hit the ground much earlier than expected.
With Liverpool leading the points table it could be a huge boost for the Reds. Klopp said, “[It’s the] best news. He started going on the pitch and from the first step he looked completely normal.
“Sometimes when players are coming back from injury and start running, you see them not really limping, but it’s not the picture you had in your mind.
“With Ox, from the first step, it looked like Ox. It was really nice, and then you had to wait for the reaction – there was no reaction, which is even nicer.
“No pressure on him, but it looks like it may be February back in normal training – late February, March, so that gives us hope that he will be back this season.
“We are usually not that excited about something like this, a lot of things can happen after being out for a long time, but it looks positive and it’s just nice to have him around with a smile on his face. He’s obviously happy and we are very happy with the improvement.”
