Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain OUT of World Cup after England star suffered knee ligament injury during Liverpool Champions League win against Roma
Ox later said on social media that he is 'absolutely devastated' to be missing the final weeks of the season and the tournament in Russia
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN has been ruled out of this summer's World Cup after the England star suffered a knee ligament injury.
The 24-year-old said he was "absolutely devastated" to be missing the final months of Liverpool's season and the tournament in Russia.
Oxlade-Chamberlainwas taken off the pitch on a stretcher after going in for a tackle during Liverpool's 5-2 Champions League semi-final victory against Roma.
The Merseyside club have confirmed the midfielder is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, and that "no specific timescale" has been placed on when he will return.
He later wrote on social media: "Absolutely devastated to have picked up this injury at such a crucial time in the season.
"Gutted I won't be able to play any further part now in our Champions League run for Liverpool and also the World Cup with England.
"But now it's all about supporting the boys and getting behind them.
"I know we have what it takes to do something special in this tournament. I'm going to give everything I have to make sure I'm back as quickly as possible.
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"However, this all pales in comparison to how the family of the Liverpool fan badly hurt before last night's game must be feeling.
"My thoughts are with him and his loved ones. Thank you for all your kind words, messages and support. I'll see you soon. #YNWA"
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The injury comes as a bitter blow for both Jurgen Klopp and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, with Ox a likely starter in Russia such was his recent upturn in form.
Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Anfield from Arsenal in January, after becoming frustrated with where he was being picked to play at The Emirates.
After a shaky start, and more time spent on the Liverpool bench than on the hallowed Anfield turf, Oxlade-Chamberlain was finally showing the fans his true talents.
And on his side's biggest stage of the season so far, against Roma in the Champions League semi-finals, Oxlade-Chamberlain was dealt the cruellest of blows.
In the 15th minute he went in to tackle former Manchester City man Aleksandar Kolarov, but ended up twisting his knee.
He fell to the ground in obvious pain, and after struggling to walk off himself, a stretcher was called for.
The midfielder was taken off and replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum in the 18th minute.
The Reds went on to secure a magnificent 5-2 victory against the Italians thanks to two goals apiece for Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino and a Sadio Mane strike.
But two goals in the final ten minutes, and the season-ending injury to Oxlade-Chamberlain, meant it was not quite a perfect night for the Reds of Merseyside.