Phil Thompson Claims Return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Will Be 'Like a New Signing' for Liverpool

Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson has claimed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be 'like a new signing' for the Reds, when he fully recovers from an eight-month layoff. 

Oxlade-Chamberlain injured ligaments in his right knee back in April, when playing against Roma during Liverpool's Champions League campaign. He was expected to miss the whole of the current season, but is ahead of schedule for his return, having joined in some training this week whilst the Reds squad enjoyed some warm weather in Dubai.

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Former defender Phil Thompson is thrilled about the star's progress and suggests the 'new signing' effect will create a buzz around Liverpool's training complex.

"It would be an absolutely brilliant addition and it would be like having a new player." He told Sky Sports News "It's so difficult. As players, you go through these turmoils, and it is a turmoil to you when you have to sit out.

"It will give the players a buzz to see him coming back and he will be a massive asset if he can get back for the run-in."

Thompson also claimed the ex-Arsenal man will add much needed goals from midfield. James Milner, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho have managed just four Premier League goals between them.

He added: "We've got a very good midfield who don't get as many goals as they should do but that's where Oxlade-Chamberlain comes in.

"He can dominate that drive from midfield, that powerful shot and the assists that he can bring. These are all assets that will help that midfield three that we've seen in the bigger games." he added. 

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Oxlade-Chamberlain's return ahead of schedule will certainly hand boost to Jurgen Klopp who is attempting to capture Liverpool's first top-flight title in 29 years. The Reds currently enjoy a four-point cushion over Manchester City with 15 games to play.