Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain facing six month lay-off following knee surgery

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has faced a further injury setback in his recovery as he is set to be out of action until at least November.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has had an impressive first season at the club, suffered a knee injury in Liverpool's Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma at Anfield last month.

The 24-year-old seemed to suffer an innocuous injury after going into a tackle. The midfielder's pain was immediately event with him eventually being stretchered off the pitch.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was originally ruled out for the rest of the season and this summer's World Cup in Russia, however reports on Monday say he is likely to remain on the sidelines going in to next season.

The former Arsenal man had a successful knee operation last week, however despite the initial diagnosis seeing him back in time for pre-season, it is now reported that he will miss up to six months on the injury table.

It is reported that as well as damaging both his cruciate and medial ligament, his hamstring was also damaged as it came off the bone.

This news means the Reds will have to have to wait until at least November to see Oxlade-Chamberlain back in the first-team fold, three months into the 2018/19 season. Depending on how he reacts to full training, it may take anywhere up to two months for him to play a significant role.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's transfer plans may well change ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Reds already looking to bring in midfield reinforcements, besides the signing of RB Lepizig's Naby Keita.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal against Manchester City in the Champions League was voted Goal of the Season last week. The Englishman has been instrumental in getting Klopp's side to the Champions League final against Real Madrid under two weeks' time.

The hope for Liverpool fans will be that Oxlade-Chamberlain is able to make a full recovery and return at his dynamic best, with his kind of injury known to cause a hindrance later in a player's career.