Klopp puts his faith in The Ox

Pool boss calls up former Gunner as Naby Keita is ruled out for rest of season

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita’s season has been prematurely ended by a groin injury but it may offer a late opportunity for Alex OxladeChamberlain to play a significant part in the season finale.

Guinea international Keita has taken a while to settle since his summer move from RB Leipzig but in recent weeks had started to show the form which persuaded Jurgen Klopp to spend £52.7million and wait an additional 12 months for him.

However, he limped off midway through the first half of the 3-0 Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Barcelona in the Nou Camp on Wednesday and will now not be fit to return until pre-season training begins in July.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has played just 17 minutes of first-team football after a year out with a serious knee injury but after coming on as a substitute in the 5-0 win over Huddersfield he is ready for more game time. And it could give Liverpool a boost after the loss of Keita, who will now miss this summer’s African Nations Cup as well.

“It was really unlucky. Bad news, he has a high grade adductor injury, the tendon is ruptured, which keeps him out for at least two months,” said Klopp , who will be without the midfielder for tonight’s trip to Newcastle as they try to keep up the pressure on leaders Manchester City.

“Bad news for us obviously but bad news for Guinea as well because the Africa Cup of Nations is coming up.

“He was in a really good moment, but

that’s how football and life sometimes is. Not too nice but very serious.

“For sure he’s not in the best moment but it’s OK I think. There are two things: a very interesting part of the season he’s not part of, on the other hand Guinea I don’t think is a regular (qualifier) for the Africa Cup of Nations.”

On the role a fit-again OxladeChamberlain could play Klopp added: “Yeah, of course. It is perfect that he is back but for the intensity of the game we will see.

“It is very good that Ox is there and for sure he will be in the squad but we have to make a decision who starts. We will use him, of course.”

Klopp also has an injury worry over Roberto Firmino, who was only fit enough for an 11-minute substitute role in the Nou Camp after tearing a thigh muscle in training last week.

The Brazil international is unlikely to be risked tonight with the crucial second leg at home to Barcelona to come.

City are not in action again until Monday, when they host Leicester City.

Dundonian Charlie Adam admits he is open to “all offers” as prepares to bring the curtain down on a seven-year stay at Stoke City.

The 33-year-old midfielder and former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher are being released by the English Championship outfit this summer.

Former Liverpool playmaker Adam has been linked with former club Rangers and Hearts in the past and insists he will take his time in weighing up his next move.

He said: “This is the first time in my career that I’ve been out of contract, so it’s a situation I’m not used to.

“When you leave a club it’s very disappointing because I’ve been there a long time but everybody moves on.

“We’ll see what comes around and I look forward to the future because I still feel I have a lot to give someone. “I’m open to all offers and raring to go. “I’ve got a couple of options but it was only announced this week. I’ve had two or three clubs on already, which is good, and we’ll see what pops up over the summer.

“I’ll play anywhere, I want to play football. I’ve still got an enthusiasm to play and I want to play at the highest level I can.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: likely to see some game time with Keita ruled out for the season.