Rhian Brewster and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Inch Closer to Return

As Liverpool’s injury situation seems to get a bit more positive if simultaneously confusing, we have a little bit more to add to the injury news for the week. Also during the pre-match presser, Jurgen Klopp provided a bit more insight into the recovery work of long-term injured star Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain and starlet Rhian Brewster. The news from the gaffer was, in a word, positive.

Though no clear timetable has been set for either, Klopp indicated that both have been practicing on the field and are doing outdoor exercises. In a bit of a surprise, Jurgen noted that Brewster required a minor surgery to clean up a few lasting things. His assessment, though, was that Rhian still looked good and was on the right trajectory.

What might be a bit of a disappointment, though, is that Jurgen does not expect to have Brewster be an expected addition to the squad until next season. The words from the gaffer noted, though, that this was both out of a sense of precaution and patience. It’s clear that Brewster is one of the more highly touted youngsters in the youth set up and many think one of the next to follow TAA and Joe Gomez in breaking thru to the first team. So, caution and time will most certainly be worth it for a talent that special.

The news on Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain contains much less equivocation: the midfielder is well on his way to full fitness. At the time of his injury, some thought maybe a cameo in April or May might a distant dream. All news now, though, indicates that we might see Liverpool’s AOC back on the pitch sooner and Jurgen feeling very confident that the far off hope of seeing Ox this season is more the reality.

Here’s what Kopp had to say:

“But last time [I spoke about AOC] I think I put a bit of pressure on the medical department but when I see him running, moving with the ball and all the stuff – which he is all doing already – it looks really good, promising, close to a return. He can really work already on his fitness issues, which he’s had for a long time. I think we will see him this season.”

Words like “close to a return” are a salve on this Red’s heart. Especially as AOC has quickly climbed to near the top of the charts of my personal favorites on the squad. Here’s hoping he can recuperate quickly and find his way back into the fold as, hopefully, we finally lay claim to that elusive 19th league title. Up the recovering Reds!