We actually think this is good news, although our opinion will drastically change if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to Melwood crocked again!
Gareth Southgate has recalled our midfielder to the England squad, after he made his first Premier League start in over 15 months v Southampton recently.
Ox performed well, but in truth, he’s had hardly any football and the decision is probably a surprise.
The England boss has always said he’ll pick on merit, but Ox simply hasn’t played enough (or well enough consistently) to warrant being picked on that criteria.
For us though, with the 25-year-old’s place in our starting XI not guaranteed, especially once Naby Keita returns and competes for a midfield spot – the more minutes for Ox – the better.
Having said that, we can’t imagine Southgate will start him, so we can see the benefit of another few weeks under Jurgen Klopp as well.
Here’s how Reds reacted to the news when Times journalist Paul Joyce tweeted it out online:
I'd rather not. He hasn't made it back regularly to our first team. England have never looked after our injury prone players.
— All-LFC (@All1892LFC) August 29, 2019
This isn’t good news, why are people gassed. They’re not gonna treat him right ffs.
— 𝔹𝕊 (@BSSLFC) August 29, 2019
100% getting injured
— Scott (@Shiteke) August 29, 2019
Can you guys just leave him alone. @England
— AC (@achxmz) August 29, 2019
Oooh Noooooo
He might get injured.— MoseLiverpudilan🤔🧐🎯 (@NaksLfcRed) August 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/mainstandred/status/1167052258284097536
https://twitter.com/RoamingCF/status/1167054042138386433