Jurgen Klopp says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to find his rhythm again after his long-term injury, and once that happens, he will find himself more involved in games.
The central midfielder largely struggled against his former side, Arsenal, during the 5-5 draw in the Carabao Cup, though he did score a stunning goal from distance.
READ MORE:
Harry Wilson sends message to Manchester United fans ahead of Bournemouth’s lunchtime clash
Klopp knows that getting him back will be vital for the Reds this season, with goals from midfield not something to be turned down.
Via the Daily Mirror, he said: “He has scored, nice, both at Genk, a real stunner on Wednesday, a lot of outstanding moments, but other moments he is not involved.
“We always have to try to reach perfection. He still needs rhythm but that is no problem. He is a long-term project.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain could be in line for another start today against Aston Villa in the Premier League. If Klopp decides to give Fabinho, who is one yellow card away from a suspension, the day off, Jordan Henderson could play as the number six, and he could play instead.
The only way that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s rhythm will improve is by playing, though, of course, there is the Champions League game at home to Genk on Tuesday night to consider as well. That one might be a more likely one for him to start in, just as he did in the away game last week.