Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fears that his time at Liverpool will come to an end this summer.
That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim that the 28-year-old is concerned he could be sold having not featured for The Reds for seven weeks.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is out of contract in summer 2023 and is reportedly yet to hear from the club about a new deal.
Despite his lack of action, it’s claimed that there are no ‘active plans’ for Liverpool to sell him. Instead, The Reds will action a ‘wait and see’ approach to the summer market.
Cause for concern for Ox
Oxlade-Chamberlain certainly has cause to be worried as the season nears its end. Although he’s not alone in being out of Jurgen Klopp’s current plans, he is the most high profile of those not involved.
His inactivity remains a source of some puzzlement. Yes he was poor on his latest appearance – against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, but he had been excellent over the turn of the year.
Ox, who was signed for £35m from Arsenal in 2017, showed some dissatisfaction at being replaced during his last outing at the City Ground.
Perhaps that small show of dissent has made up Klopp’s mind as Liverpool continue to chase on all fronts.
Jurgen now working with a smaller group
The manager has narrowed down his options over recent weeks. It could be that Klopp is merely trying to keep a small group focussed and in rhythm ahead of the big games to come.
Whatever the reason, Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t touched the pitch since March 20th. While James Milner, Curtis Jones and in particular Naby Keita, have all been involved to some degree, he hasn’t even been making the matchday squad.
With his contract running into its final year, it would be a major surprise to see Ox still at the club beyond that. The midfielder reportedly turned down the chance to join Newcastle United in January. In all likelihood Liverpool will look to move him along in the off-season.
It’s a shame that injuries have largely put paid to a promising start at Anfield. But the former Arsenal man can still hold his head high having been a good contributor during the Premier League and Carabao Cup successes.
Whatever comes next, it would be nice to see Ox get a chance to prove himself over the closing weeks of the season.