Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has ruled out a summer exit for midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who remains part of his plans going forward.
The 27-year-old, who missed the first four months of this season after having knee surgery last summer, has had a frustrating 2020-21 campaign for the Reds and has failed to cement a regular place in the starting lineup.
Liverpool are set to bolster their squad in this summer's transfer window, which could mean one or two current players are forced to leave the club, but Klopp has stated that Oxlade-Chamberlain is part of his plans for next season.
"Ox had some good moments; he has shown up really well and that is good. This situation is not always easy for all the boys not only Ox, but for Naby Keita, not easy for Xherdan Shaqiri – I know that. During this season, a lot of things have happened. One thing we try to do is get balance, rhythm and stability," the German coach told the Daily Mail.
"That means you don't change these kinds of positions too often during games and that is it pretty much. So a few things in midfield need to be different to other times when we were much more settled and stable. That is the reason why some players don't have enough minutes.
"They understand the situation; that is clear. But hopefully that will completely change next year because when you have more stability in the last line then you can be more flexible formation-wise further up the pitch. Am I counting on him for next season? Yes."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made only 14 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions so far this season, starting just twice in the Premier League.
Oliver Thomas
