Not sure about you guys, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury during the first Champions League semi-final leg against Roma was pretty heartbreaking. The deadline day signing had made himself practically indispensable at that point and even three matches following it’s pretty evident what his absence means to the team. Even more heartbreaking, this injury is fairly major, sidelining him not only for the rest of the season, but from his second World Cup for England, just when he’s starting to come into his own as a player for not only club, but country as well.
Of course, I don’t have to tell you all this.
What I am here to tell you is that he won’t be whiling his summer away in rehab. At least that’s the rumour right now. According to the Mirror, both ITV and BBC are courting Chamberlain for his football knowledge during the World Cup while he’s back home with nothing but recovery to do.
The article goes on to claim that ITV appear to be in first position for the midfielder’s temporary employment, having already sent an offer to secure his knowledge and probably banter. He’s hailed as one of the most eloquent English players out there, having done the voiceover for the anniversary video celebrating 150 years of the FA. He’d also be able to give the most recent and relevant insight into the England dressing room, having carved out a starting position for himself just before this injury heartbreak.
Not to mention he’s given us nuggets of banter like this:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: "We're in good form after beating Arsenal 4-0 last week." pic.twitter.com/fRCorkA9r8
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) September 1, 2017
Granted, that was early in the season and it came back to bite us in the ass because it was just before Manchester City beat us 5-0.
It could of course amount to nothing but it might make an otherwise uninspiring tournament for some of us without a team to support (looking at you, USMNT), slightly more exciting.