Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may leapfrog three Liverpool stars in the midfield pecking order after Jurgen Klopp gave him the all-clear, according to the Echo.
The regional newspaper claim the fit-again midfielder will likely start from the bench, but “he could soon find himself being used ahead of [James] Milner, [Adam] Lallana and [Naby] Keita”, who have been in and out of the side of late.
Klopp has revealed that Oxlade-Chamberlain, who suffered a minor setback when making his return from a knee ligament injury in an Under-23s clash with Derby recently, would be “100 percent fit” after the international break.
OPINION
Given that the Ox has been out for nearly a year, it would be a major shock if he leapfrogged the senior trio in the pecking order within the coming weeks. The England international will need some sparkling cameos as a substitute to convince Klopp he deserves to start, with his match fitness way behind the regular starters. Sure, the German manager has demonstrated that he is willing to rotate the three midfield spots, but Georgino Wijnaldum and Fabinho have emerged as the two he trusts most in that area of the pitch. Lallana has also started the last two league matches and demonstrated glimpses of his outstanding technical ability, while Milner’s experience, knowhow and pedigree are immensely valuable assets. Keita has had a mixed debut season, and it is his role as the attacking midfield driving force that Oxlade-Chamberlain may consider to be a route in to the side.