Former Arsenal favourite Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered numerous injuries throughout his career and now looks set to become a free agent in the summer
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remained subdued when Liverpool netted a late equaliser against Arsenal at the weekend. The 29-year-old midfielder watched on from the stands as Roberto Firmino dealt his former side a huge blow to their hopes of winning the Premier League.
As the Gunners shared a point with Jurgen Klopp's side, Manchester City narrowed the gap at the top of the table by storming past Southampton in a devastating manner. With a game in hand, the reigning champions are now just six points behind Arsenal in the title race – and it didn't look as if Oxlade-Chamberlain was overly thrilled, as bench camera has revealed.
The England international has suffered an injury-ridden campaign, featuring just 13 times for Liverpool this season. Oxlade-Chamberlain wasn't named in the matchday squad to face the Gunners but he was in attendance at Anfield, stationed behind the dugout.
He saw the Reds claw back a point against his former side, who happen to be the league leaders, which may account for his lack of enthusiasm at Liverpool's equaliser. Oxlade-Chamberlain spent six years at the Emirates Stadium before deciding to join Liverpool in 2017 as he looked to transition from a winger into a central midfielder.
Despite his ambitions, Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled with injuries on Merseyside and is now set to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season. With an exit in the summer on the cards, the former Arsenal star has been tipped to join – and improve – a Premier League team.
"Definitely [he has a future at another Premier League club]," said Alan Hutton to Football Insider. "He has been involved in the Liverpool team this season but it is probably not enough for him. He has had his injury problems but he has to play regularly to get back to his best.
"When you think about Aston Villa, they are trying to go places, we know what Newcastle are trying to achieve. They are all good options for him. I think he has still got the ability, if he keeps himself fit, to play at that level no problem."