Wednesday, 11th June, 2014
England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that he is hopeful about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being fit for his side’s second match in the World Cup.
The Arsenal winger injured knee ligaments during a 2-2 friendly draw with Ecuador last Wednesday and speculation was raised that he may miss the showpiece event in Brazil.
However Hodgson, who earlier insisted that he does not intend to replace the 20-year-old in his squad as he is confident about the youngster being fit for the World Cup, explained that he is pleased with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s recovery process.
"Alex did very well in training”, he told the BBC.
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“He was just running in straight lines but it is still very positive he can run so well and so fast in straight lines.”
Hodgson further added that Oxlade-Chamberlain will train this week and expects the starlet to return to action in the Three Lions' second game in the tournament.
"He will work on his training programme during the course of the week”, he added.
“The medics hope he'll be ready for the second game."
England, who are in Group D, will begin their World Cup campaign against Italy on Saturday, before facing Uruguay and Costa Rica on 19th and 24th June respectively.
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