Huge blow to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp confirms versatile midfielder has suffered hamstring injury

• Oxlade Chamberlain is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines in a huge blow to Liverpool
• The midfielder only lasted less than 45 minutes in a friendly against Crystal Palace earlier this month
• He is also entering the final year of his Liverpool contract

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faces some time on the sidelines as Jurgen Klopp confirmed he has suffered a hamstring injury.

Earlier this month, Chamberlain was forced off in the first half during a friendly against Crystal Palace.

The news will come as a major blow for Chamberlain in particular as the 28-year old is just entering the final year of his Liverpool contract.

While the injury will not require surgery, Klopp confirmed that Chamberlain would still require a significant amount of time on the sidelines.

Revealed! The latest EPL transfer rumours and done deals this offseason

Football

'With Oxlade, it will take longer [than a few weeks], it is a serious hamstring injury. Klopp said in a press conference ahead of the Community Shield clash against Manchester City.

'A hamstring - we all hate this word but it is an injury and it happens from time to time and now Ox was the one. Does he need an operation? No.'

Chamberlain has not been a regular under Klopp in recent times and has been linked with a move away from the club.

He has particularly attracted interest from Premier League rivals, with West Ham United being the most plausible club he could join.

During the friendly against Manchester United where Liverpool lost 4-0, however, Chamberlain reestablished his mark on Jurgen Klopp’s books as he exhibited his versatility in midfield.

For Liverpool, his injury means Klopp’s midfield options just got thinner.

Guardiola explains Sterling, Jesus departures

Elsewhere, Pep Guardiola insisted his side still have a sustainable model , despite the departures of three superstars.

REVEALED! The top 20 dirtiest NBA players of all time

NBA

City sold Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal this summer, while Raheem Sterling was bought by Chelsea.

According to Guardiola, in the business of running a club, one has to also sell in order to remain sustainable.

"But it's a business. To invest you have to sell players otherwise you can't be sustainable.” He said.