Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in line for ‘big’ Liverpool role after latest – pundit

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be set for a bigger role at Liverpool following a fresh injury setback to Luis Diaz.

That is according to Spurs expert John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels.

Diaz was due to return from a knee injury he suffered in Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates in October in time for the Premier League restart.

Liverpool

However, BBC Sport reported on 14 December that the 25-year-old has suffered a setback and will now be out for a further three months after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Wenham claims Oxlade-Chamberlain could now be handed a bigger role in the second half of the season.

“What about the £40million Oxlade-Chamberlain?” Wenham told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“He cost £40million, when is the last time he played? For me, he is useless. But he might have to be one of these players who can help out now Diaz is injured, that’s a big loss.

“You have Salah, Firmino, Carvalho, Jones and Elliott who can play in that role but you lose a lot of quality on that list quite quickly.

“Elliott has been playing in central midfield too so maybe he could be pushed up and that leaves a space for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“He is maybe the next best option in that midfield and that is saying something about their options if they are going to have to rely on him.”

Liverpool

“The Ox” has missed most of the 2022-23 season with a hamstring injury though he returned at the end of October.

He played 15 second-half minutes in Liverpool’s last Premier League game against Southampton on 12 November.

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