LIVERPOOL star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks set to the miss the WHOLE 2018-19 season through injury.
The England midfielder, 24, damaged multiple ligaments during the Champions League semi-final against Roma in April.
REUTERS: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to miss all of 2018-19 with his injury
Now Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed the upcoming season will be all about rehab and recovery, not getting back to first-team action.
Klopp claimed: “It feels like now is an appropriate time to tell people that for Ox this coming season will be about focusing on recovery and rehab.
“We have known this from pretty much the day after he got the injury and after the successful surgery, we were sure of it.
“There has been no change, no setback – it’s exactly on the schedule we expected and planned for. The new information is that we’re now giving more detail publicly.
PA:PRESS ASSOCIATION: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a long road of rehab ahead of him
EPA: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up the injury against Roma in April
“It is typical of Ox that he didn’t want the news to overshadow the end of the season and, to be quite honest, we thought we could wait and tell people at an appropriate time.
“His surgery – which he had on the day of our second leg in Roma – has been completely successful and his recovery has started superbly well.
“But the truth of the matter is that we are preparing this season knowing he will not be with us on the pitch for competitive matches for the majority of it.
“If we do see him back this season it will be a bonus.”
PA:PRESS ASSOCIATION: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in terrific form until his injury blow
Oxlade-Chamberlain was in tremendous form for the Reds up until the horror injury – and Klopp can’t wait to have him back.
The German chief added: “It is so important – because of how valuable and important he is to what we are looking to do here in the coming seasons – that the focus is on doing this right and not rushed.
“Ox is completely on board with this approach.
AFP: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may not make it back onto the pitch next season
“He is such an outstandingly good person and someone who even when not playing is integral to the heartbeat of Melwood.
“I cannot wait to have him back with us for matches, but we will wait for him.
“We will show the patience that is required to make sure he comes back ready to continue where he left off: as one of the most outstanding performers in European football in that moment.”
