Klopp confirms that Ox will be back in the squad for crucial trip to Newcastle

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Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be back in the Reds squad for what will be a crucial game against Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Naby Keïta’s unfortunate groin injury against Barcelona in mid-week has diminished Klopp’s midfield options, but that could also pave the way for another opportunity for Ox to come into the side.

Read more: ‘Doesn’t look good…’ Naby Keita’s injury assessed with likely timeframe for return announced

When quizzed on that very fact, the German replied: “Yeah, of course. It is perfect that he is back but the intensity of the game, we will see.

“It is very good that Ox is there and for sure he will be in the squad but we have to make a decision who starts.

“We will use him, of course. There is nothing good to say about Naby’s injury but Ox being back is brilliant, yes.”

It’s depressing that Keïta is now unavailable for us having finally found form, but at least Ox coming back is one positive for us.

We always knew that the 25-year-old had the potential to feature in these vital last few games of the season and his return seems to have come at the perfect time.

Ox returned to the team after a year out when he played out the last 17 minutes of the 5-0 battering of Huddersfield last week, although he didn’t make the matchday squad for the Barcelona game.

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