Jurgen Klopp says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may play at Crystal Palace

Jurgen Klopp reveals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be in contention to play against Crystal Palace after ramping up his return… as he hails ‘outstanding’ Harvey Elliott and tips him to return after international break

  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain missed out on the victory at Arsenal through injury 
  • The midfielder was forced off against Brentford, shortly after the second goal 
  • But Jurgen Klopp has revealed he may be in contention to play at Crystal Palace 
  • The Liverpool manager also reserved special praise for sensation Harvey Elliott 

Jurgen Klopp has revealed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be in contention for this weekend’s clash against Crystal Palace, after the Liverpool midfielder missed the Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal through injury.

The 28-year-old was forced off just minutes after scoring the Reds’ second goal against Brentford at Anfield, and boss Klopp confirmed after the clash that the star had rolled his ankle, forcing him to the sidelines.

However, asked for an injury update ahead of his side’s next match, he said that Oxlade-Chamberlain may be welcomed back into the fold, having returned to the training pitch to begin winning again.

Jurgen Klopp has provided an injury update ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Crystal Palace

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may return for the clash, having missed out on the victory at Arsenal

‘Ox, we hope and pray,’ he told reporters at his press conference today. ‘He was running yesterday but we don’t know exactly what that means for today. 

‘It would be helpful if he could train before the game. I don’t know yet.’

Assistant Pep Lijnders admitted Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury ‘cast a shadow’ over the win at Brentford, but insisted that the former England man was hopeful of featuring at Selhurst Park after missing out against his old team in mid-week.

Midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up an injury against Brentford and was then sidelined

His return would come as a welcome boost to Klopp and his coaching staff.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Divock Origi will all be missing, with Thiago Alcantara, Harvey Elliott and Naby Keita joining them on the treatment table. 

Teenage sensation Elliott, meanwhile, is expected back after the international break, according to Klopp – who has labelled the starlet as an ‘outstanding boy’.

Elliott, 18, disclosed his ankle during the 3-0 win over Leeds back in September, just as it appeared he had secured a regular starting berth in Klopp’s side.

Klopp has reserved special praise for Harvey Elliott, who has made a speedy return to training

Many expected him to be ruled out for the rest of the campaign, but the midfielder has returned sooner than expected and is already dazzling in training. 

‘It’s outstanding to have him back,’ Klopp said. ‘He’s an outstanding boy. He was out for a long time so we cannot rush it, but he looked directly like he could play.’

‘I’m pretty sure after the international break he should be ready.’

Speaking ahead of the win at Arsenal, Lijnders heaped praise on Elliott, revealing that he did not ‘lose his football brain’ during his lengthy recovery period.  


Elliott shared a laugh with Virgil Van Dijk (left picture) and boss Klopp (right) on his return to full training, after missing the last four months with a dislocated ankle

‘Yesterday it would be a crime not playing him if you see him in training,’ he said.

‘Some players don’t knock on the door, they run through it and Harvey is like that in each session. He is coming back from a long-term injury so it is important he is team fit, that he prepares himself well but it is great to have him back. 

‘You saw in the first games of the season how he influenced our style. We are happy that he is back with us, doing all the things we normally do. 

‘We like the players who have goals in them, not just dribbles or technique but always searches for the last pass. He influences our game a lot.’




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