Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss Liverpool’s game this evening. Standing in for Jurgen Klopp, Pep Lijnders confirmed the news in yesterday’s pre-match press conference.
“I spoke yesterday with him and he thinks it’s not that bad. We have to assess it day by day. I would not rule out the weekend but for sure not tomorrow,” said Lijnders.
Encouraging news then. After earning praise for his interpretation of the “Salah role” on Sunday, it was feared he could be out for longer than a single game.
But fans have still taken to Twitter to voice their concerns that Ox’s absence will be key against Arsenal.
The 28-year-old has been much improved at times this season. His desire to drive at defences with the ball and crack off long shots can really help Liverpool to break teams down.
He is also typically a player who thrives of confidence. After a goal at the weekend, he looked perfectly set up to give his old side the run-around tonight. The Englishman must be lamenting his luck.
One in one out
It has often felt like a case of Jurgen Klopp having to play whoever is fit in midfield this season. There haven’t been many times where he’s had the luxury of choosing from his numerous options.
There was good news in that respect with Harvey Elliott’s return to training yesterday.
Lijnders also said that Thiago is expected to fit for the Cardiff game in February. Unless Guinea get to at least the semi-final of AFCON, Naby Keita will also be back by then. Klopp should hopefully have a full compliment of midfielders going into the final third of the season.
As for the Arsenal game it will come too soon for Elliott. Klopp will likely have to make do with three from Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Curtis Jones for the trip to The Emirates.
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