2018 FIFA WC: Huge blow for England, star midfielder ruled out in Russia

Alex Oxlade Chemberlain is ruled out of the Russia World Cup. | Image: Twitter
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is ruled out of the Russia World Cup. | Image: Twitter


XtraTime Web Desk:
England receives a serious blow ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, as their star midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out of the competition after sustaining a serious knee-ligament injury playing for Liverpool in the Champions League semifinals against AS Roma.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was carried off on a stretcher in the 18th minute of the first leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old midfielder was assessed by Liverpool, which said he will not return to full fitness until next season.

Not only will he potentially miss the Champions League final — Liverpool beat Roma 5-2 on Tuesday — but he is also out of the World Cup in Russia, two years after being ruled out of the European Championship with a knee injury. He also suffered a knee injury shortly before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when he was still included in England’s squad but didn’t play in any of the team’s three matches.
“No specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage,” Liverpool said in a statement.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has become an established member of England coach Gareth Southgate’s squad after settling well at Liverpool following his move from Arsenal at the end of last year’s summer transfer window.

He was on course to start in England’s opening match of the World Cup, against Tunisia on June 18.