James Pearce admits it is hard to see where starts will come Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's way for Liverpool between now and the end of the season.
The Lowdown: Ox visibly frustrated at Forest
The Reds edged their way past Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, with Diogo Jota's goal earning them a 1-0 win and a place in the semi-finals.
One player who struggled to make an impact at the City Ground was Oxlade-Chamberlain, who wasted an opportunity to shine in the middle of the park, completing zero of his four cross attempts and winning just one duel in the entire match (Sofascore).
The 28-year-old was visibly frustrated when he was substituted by Jurgen Klopp in the second half, reportedly shouting about his lack of chances to get up to speed.
The Latest: Pearce unsure over playing time
Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Sunday, Pearce admitted it is hard to see where Oxlade-Chamberlain will play a key role for Liverpool in their quest for an unprecedented quadruple:
"Ox struggled and yeah it’s tough to see where his next start comes from given the players ahead of him."
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The Verdict: Time to leave Liverpool
Oxlade-Chamberlain's Liverpool career has been more good than bad, with the midfielder his side's fourth-top goalscorer in the Premier League title-winning season, but he is an increasingly peripheral figure who has so often struggled with injuries, missing 63 total games with two separate major knee injuries.
For that reason, and with his current deal running out in 2023, it makes sense to move him on this summer, with the club running out of time to receive a respectable fee for his services.
Oxlade-Chamberlain earns £125,000 per week currently and those wages can go towards a younger signing who is viewed as a long-term option at Anfield.
In other news, Liverpool are interested in signing one attacking player this summer. Read more here.