Liverpool FC Rumors: Former Goalkeeper Still Waiting For Big Breakout From Oxlade-Chamberlain

There are a lot of players who could shine in the Premier League as long as they can keep themselves healthy. One player who has run into a series of bad luck is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Despite the hurdles he has encountered, former Reds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is still hoping to see the talented English footballer show his true stuff. However, that can only happen once Oxlade-Chamberlain catches a break in what Kirkland calls horrendous luck with injuries.

“I mean, if he was fit, Arsenal would never have sold him for one thing you know. They sold him because he couldn’t stay fit,” Kirkland said when he appeared on the FootballFanCast. “But for me, he’s an exceptional player and I’d love to see him stay fit.”

For Kirkland, the inability of Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay fit is what pushed the Gunners to deal him away. The 27-year-old spent six years with Arsenal where he made 198 appearances and scored 20 goals.

The English player has not gotten much luck with the Reds so far since joining the club three years ago. As of this writing, he has only seen action in 83 games across three seasons.

Since arriving in 2017 from Arsenal FC, the 27-year-old has struggled to be a regular fixture for Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp. Hence, Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to find a way to adjust and keep himself fit.

He has failed to nail down a regular starting spot on Liverpool’s rotation because of it. Making matters worse is that he is facing stiff competition with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum and Thiago Alcantara playing the same position.

For the 2020-21 season, Oxlade-Chamberlain is once again out with a knee injury. Hence, all he can do right now is hope he recovers from his latest injury and gets that chance to be called upon by Klopp, Goal reported.

Until that time comes, Klopp will have the luxury of choosing who he wants to field in for his front four. Aside from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, there is also Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino. All four were used against Sheffield United, although former Reds defender Stephen Warnock felt it would be a big gamble against Manchester City, especially if the Sky Blues get past the frontline, BBC Sport reported.

“I can't see Klopp allowing that to happen on Sunday. Whoever he goes with up front, he will want three men in his midfield to sit in and protect his defense a bit more,” Warnock stated.