Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered a ‘serious’ hamstring injury in pre-season.
The 28-year-old was forced off during the first half of the Reds’ 2-0 friendly win over Crystal Palace in Singapore earlier this month.
It comes as a major blow for Oxlade-Chamberlain as he enters the final year of his contract at Anfield.
Scans have shown that the injury will not require surgery on the hamstring knock, yet Klopp has revealed that the midfielder is now facing a significant period on the sidelines.
Speaking ahed of Saturday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City, the Liverpool boss said: ‘With Oxlade, it will take longer [than a few weeks], it is a serious hamstring injury.
‘A hamstring – we all hate this word but it is an injury and it happens from time to time and now Ox was the one. Does he need an operation? No.’
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move away from the Reds this summer, with West Ham reportedly showing an interest in the Englishman.
The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool and has not made a competitive appearance for the Merseysiders since March.
However, the 28-year-old has impressed in pre-season this summer and displayed his versatility with a notable showing in an advanced role during the friendly with Manchester United.
The injury also scuppers Klopp’s plans for the upcoming campaign as it seriously reduces his midfield options. The Reds noticeably missed out on the capture of reported midfield target Aurelien Tchouameni earlier in the summer.
The Merseysiders are aiming to bridge the gap with Premier League champions Manchester City. The Reds were dramatically pipped to the league title by a single point on the final day last season.
And Liverpool face the Citizens in the Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on Saturday as both sides compete to earn their first pieces of silverware this season.