Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting closer to a return from injury - which would boost the Reds' midfield options further.
The centre of a pitch has been a major issue for the Reds this season, with Thiago, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain all missing significant spells through injury.
But the outlook has been clearer for Klopp's side in recent weeks. Thiago is now fully fit, whilst Jones made his return in Wednesday's 1-0 win over West Ham.
And now it appears that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be back soon. The 29-year-old suffered what Klopp described as a "serious hamstring injury" during pre-season in July. He has now been out with the injury for nearly three months.
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The German explained: "It's a serious hamstring injury and it will take longer. But it's a hamstring, and we all hate this word, we hate the injury but anyway, it happens from time to time, and now Ox was the one."
However, there is now more positive news on the horizon for Liverpool fans:
Oxlade-Chamberlain 'closer' to return from injury
Speaking prior to the 1-0 win over the Hammers on Wednesday, Klopp was more upbeat about the status of the England international: "Oxlade is getting closer. Yesterday full team training, but that needs time.
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"[He] was out for a while and now we have to make sure that he can put all the sessions in his legs, which he needs."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has had a difficult time with injury since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Champions League tie against Manchester City in March 2018.
As per Transfermarkt, he missed 20 games through a separate knee problem in 2020/21, and has so far been out of action for 16 games this term.
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Reds fans will hope Oxlade-Chamberlain's injury troubles will soon be behind him, and he can return to top form for Klopp's side this season.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool, Premier League
Ryan Smart