Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out for six to eight weeks, after picking up a new knee injury in training.
The midfielder had been on track to return to action this week, having been out of action with a knee injury since February. The Ox has now fallen foul of a fresh knee injury and will now miss the rest of the Premier League campaign, as well as being ruled out for the European Championships for England.
“It’s very sad, because he was quite ready physically, and sharp in training,” Wenger said.
He added: “It’s bad news. Because Alex was out for a while and he was not overloaded with games. And you want a guy who is 22 years of age to go the European Championship. So it’s very sad.
“He’s an impact player as well so he could have a big contribution to England’s success.”
The midfielder’s freshness could have proved vital for Roy Hodgson in France, but it is not meant to be unfortunately.
Jack Wilshere is also in the running to make the England squad, but his fitness will need to be proved to the England boss before he will decide on whether to take him. Jack has only managed six minutes of Premier League action this season, and some people would argue that Danny Drinkwater and Eric Dier should go in his place.
Theo Walcott is another Gunner hopeful of securing a place on the plane, but with him unable to break into the Arsenal first-team, time appears to be running out on his chances.
Does Jack or Theo deserve to make the England squad? Will the Ox ever get over his injury issues?