He’s back. At last. Over the weekend, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to action for the Reds, and now his week looks set to get even better.
Indeed, a recent report from the Daily Mail has suggested that he’s in line to be handed a contract extension as the Reds look to reward him for the hard work that he has undertaken to get back fit. It’s a classy gesture from the club, and one that will certainly be appreciated.
It will offer Liverpool supporters a timely opportunity to reflect upon the year that has passed. It’s hard to believe that it’s been just over a year since the Englishman’s knee injury was confirmed, though the Liverpool fan’s reaction will likely live long in the memory. You can see what they had to say on that fateful day below…
@Alex_OxChambo hope your recovery is speedy an we get to see you back on the pitch start of the new season , best wishes YNWA
— lee (@leecYNWA) April 25, 2018
Come back stronger Ox
— Nick (@lfcnxck) April 25, 2018
Oh Ox! Feel better soon though. #YNWA
— Kewiiii (@Keri_Anne93) April 25, 2018
Gutted for him! This is a massive blow for Liverpool and England. Gini’s performance last night is the only positive out of this. Let’s just hope this doesn’t run into next season and he loses his momentum entirely. He is a pure machine in midfield. #YNWA @Alex_OxChambo
— Jürgen Meister (@SS_LFC) April 25, 2018
Awful news. Get well soon @Alex_OxChambo
— Scott McAuley (@toshenhoff) April 25, 2018
Wish you early recovery bro we need you
— Yomelela (@Yomelel49917081) April 26, 2018
Sorry to see that, gutted for him. Get back soon Ox
— Nick (@nickgooner80) April 25, 2018
Absoloutely gutted for him
— Jordan (@JordanLFC01) April 25, 2018
get well soon @Alex_OxChambo
— Lou Lfc (@loulou009) April 25, 2018
Awwww Ox. Be well soon
— Firmino’s Mistress°° (@daaviAdzo) April 25, 2018
At this point, the longevity of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s layoff was unclear. All Liverpool said was that he’d be out until the 2018-19 season. As it turns out, he’d only just make it back in time for the campaign to end, though with a title challenge and a UEFA Champions League run still on the cards, he could yet have a big impact on the season.
Of course, the main advantage of his return is likely to be seen next season. By returning now, he’ll get a quick taste of action, and then he’ll have a full pre-season to truly get back to full fitness.
When he went down holding his knee, we feared the worst. Now, though, he’s through the most difficult stage of his return – and those fans that rued the blow are now likely singing his name as he builds upon his return.
It will be very interesting to see how he develops over the coming months as he looks to move past this period.
Liverpool fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
