Jurgen Klopp reveals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered injury ahead of the Community Shield

Jurgen Klopp reveals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered a ‘serious’ hamstring injury ahead of Community Shield against Man City… with midfielder set to be sidelined for extended period

  • Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered ‘serious’ injury
  • Midfielder is set for an extended period on the sidelines after hamstring knock
  • Englishman was forced off in Liverpool’s pre-season clash with Crystal Palace
  • Klopp is preparing his side ahead of Community Shield against Manchester City

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered a ‘serious’ hamstring injury in pre-season.

The 28-year-old was forced off during the first half of the Reds’ 2-0 friendly win over Crystal Palace in Singapore earlier this month.

It comes as a major blow for Oxlade-Chamberlain as he enters the final year of his contract at Anfield.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after a hamstring injury

The midfielder was forced off in the Reds' 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace during pre-season

The midfielder was forced off in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace during pre-season

Scans have shown that the injury will not require surgery on the hamstring knock, yet Klopp has revealed that the midfielder is now facing a significant period on the sidelines.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City, the Liverpool boss said: ‘With Oxlade, it will take longer [than a few weeks], it is a serious hamstring injury.

‘A hamstring – we all hate this word but it is an injury and it happens from time to time and now Ox was the one. Does he need an operation? No.’

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that the midfielder picked up a 'serious' injury

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that the midfielder picked up a ‘serious’ injury

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move away from the Reds this summer, with West Ham reportedly showing an interest in the Englishman.

The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool and has not made a competitive appearance for the club since March.

However, the 28-year-old has impressed in pre-season this summer and displayed his versatility with a notable showing in an advanced role during the friendly with Manchester United.

The Englishman has not made a competitive appearance for the Reds since March this year

The Englishman has not made a competitive appearance for the Reds since March this year

The injury also scuppers Klopp’s plans for the upcoming campaign as it reduces his midfield options. The Reds noticeably missed out on the capture of reported midfield target Aurelien Tchouameni earlier in the summer.

Liverpool are aiming to bridge the gap with Premier League champions Manchester City. The Reds were dramatically pipped to the league title by a single point on the final day last season.

And Liverpool face the Citizens in the Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on Saturday as both sides compete to earn their first pieces of silverware this season.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk