Liverpool’s injury woes grow as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sustains ankle ligament damage

England international suffered the setback during the Club World Cup final victory over Flamengo

Liverpool are reluctant to put a timeframe on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return from ankle ligament damage before the injury settles.

The midfielder suffered the setback during the second half of the Club World Cup final victory over Flamengo in Doha on Saturday.

He was forced off the field after 75 minutes and was on crutches with his right ankle in a protective boot during the celebrations.

Jurgen Klopp did not want to estimate the length of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s spell on the sidelines but did rule him out of the fixtures against Leicester and Wolves.

“The ankle is what we probably expected; you have three ligaments on the outside of the ankle, one of them is damaged,” the manager detailed. “Now we have to see how quickly we can fix that. I don’t know exactly. I had that injury myself, but it was years ago and it can take a while or can be quick, we have to see.

“No chance for Thursday and no chance for this year; Oxlade will not play in 2019 that’s clear. Then we have to see how quickly it can settle.”

The England international has been unfortunate with injury at Liverpool, having already battled back from anterior cruciate ligament damage which sidelined him for a year.

Liverpool also remain without the services of Fabinho (ankle), Joel Matip (knee) and Dejan Lovren (groin).

“Both centre-backs and Fabinho are in a really good way, but of course not ready for these games,” Klopp said.

The Premier League leaders travel to second-placed Leicester on Boxing Day with the intention of extending their 10-point cushion at the summit.