Neil Critchley, the manager of Liverpool’s U23s, last night provided an update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fitness, after the midfielder was forced off early during his long-awaited return to the pitch.
Derby 1-3 Liverpool
The Reds’ development outfit travelled to the Moor Farm Training Centre yesterday afternoon, for a Premier League 2 clash with Derby County.
Liverpool eventually emerged with a comfortable 3-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Curtis Jones (2) and Rafael Camacho.
The win took Critchley’s men to within a point of 3rd-placed Derby in the Premier League 2 table.
Chamberlain update
However, on an otherwise positive day for the Merseysiders, there was also a concerning development on the injury-front.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was making his first appearance in a competitive fixture since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last April, was forced off 5 minutes before half-time.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final between Liverpool and Manchester City. Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.
The English international was due to see out the opening 45 minutes at Derby, but, after signalling to the bench that he had picked up a problem, seemingly in his left hamstring, he was quickly replaced as a precautionary measure.
And Liverpool U23s manager Neil Critchley last night provided a brief update on Chamberlain’s wellbeing, confirming that the 25-year-old’s concern was not in his previously-injured knee, before revealing his hope that ‘it’s not as bad as it first looked’.
As per LiverpoolFC.com, Critchley explained:
‘He obviously had a bit of an issue but hopefully it’s nothing major. The bonus for him is that it’s not his knee, so he’s delighted there are no problems with that.’
‘He was enjoying himself, he was happy to be back playing. Hopefully when he wakes up in the morning, fingers crossed it’s nothing and only a precaution.’
‘The idea was only ever to play him for 45 minutes at most anyway. He nearly got that, as well.’
‘Hopefully it’s not as bad as it first looked. He was looking over (to the bench) and we weren’t sure. It’s maybe some kind of muscle problem and maybe one to assess tomorrow.’
‘What was good is that he was sensible. He came off quite quick. He has handled that situation quite well.’
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