Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he’s taking heart from the way Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere bounced back from long spells on the sidelines as he gears up for a first team return of his own following four months out with a knee injury.
The England midfielder hobbled off before half-time in the first game of the season against Aston Villa but is hoping to return early in the New Year as he looks to help the Gunners to silverware and himself to a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, the Ox spoke warmly of Ramsey’s inspirational form while also praising Wilshere’s patience and dedication.
“You can either let setbacks be a setback or let them be a temporary setback as part of a learning curve to go on and turn it into something positive. I think Aaron has done that amazingly well. To have a bad injury like he had at a young age, I can only imagine is really tough mentally to come back.
“People sometimes don’t realise if you get an injury like that, doing something you do on a day-to-day basis and sometimes you can’t put your finger on why it happened, to come back from that and put yourself under threat of doing that same horrific injury that brings back those bad memories again, that can be really challenging mentally.
“I think the way that Aaron has come back from that injury and a time like that to show what he is doing this season and even in the seasons before, ever since I have been here, he has been a brilliant player and I can say the same about Jack [Wilshere] with his injury as well.
“The amount of time he was out and to come back and see how positive he is now and how hard he is still working to make sure he tries to prevent injuries like that again, is a real learning curve for any player.
“For me, now I find myself in the same situation they found themselves in, hopefully on a shorter length of injury, it does give you hope. You can take a lot of positivity from that and confidence that you can come back stronger.”
There were a few mumbles last season from fans that Chamberlain wasn’t delivering on his potential but it’s easy to forget he’s still only 20-years-old. Dealing with the hype is part and parcel of being a young homegrown talent and it’s natural for inconsistency to creep in.
That being said when he returns to the first team in January he’ll do so somewhat under the radar, indeed, with eyes on other players hopefully he’ll find a new freedom to express himself on the ball.
Hope he makes it, powerful player, awesome tekkers
such power. much skill. wow
Had such high hopes for Chambo this season! Hoping he’ll come back strong with the freedom to play and give our squad a timely boost before the Bayern game and that ridiculous schedule in March…
He was our best performer vs Villa. Hope he comes back stronger to help us in a very demanding February/March.
He can be our other goal scoring midfielder in the second half of next season
Can’t wait to have him back. Glad he’ll be looking to play his into the world cup squad to
I miss the Ox! Played do well against Aston Villa. He’ll come back strong!
Looking forward to his return!
“As did Emiliano Viviano who seems to be having a great time on his gap year.”. I have no idea why. But I laughed harder after reading that line than I have done in a very long time. Cheers blogs, its the small things….
The pace and power we have missed to get in behind teams this season. One that will definitely benefit from Ozil if he can string a few good games together.
He ticks the box
The potential of young players should never be judged on poor form. Ox is a very classy centre mid in the making. Jack will be fine too. Apart from Ramsey, gooners should remember where Walcott was and where he is now.
He much like poldi started the season with so much promise. Safe to say had they stayed fit we would be at the top of the table……..oh wait.
*strong squad mitches!*
Hahaha love that picture. Can not wait to see you ox at his best
offT: Michael Owen in one word?
*Drugged.
*Deluded
Cunt.
LOL
That would be fantastic addition to our squad. He has this potential to change the pace of the game when he comes on from the bench
It would be fantastic to see the Ox back soon. From now until the end of the season we’ll need every quality player available; the games are gonna pile up, especially after the Champions’ League resumes.
By the way: does anybody know if the club are planning to hold a minute’s silence to mark the sad passing of Great Train Robber and massive Arsenal fan, Ronnie Biggs?
Definitely echo thoughts RE: The Ox.
Definitely do not echo thoughts RE: The criminal Ronnie Biggs. I’d count myself as a pretty big fan, and I haven’t robbed any trains….so if he get’s a minute silence, then I’m thinking I should too.
For a man who was a member of a gang that bludgeoned a train driver? I think not.
Lol! Yes likewise…
Come on the Ox!
Good lad, speaks very intelligently.
Can’t wait til he’s back
I for one would love to see the OX converted as a tricky center forward. He has the strength to take on defenders
Biggs can go do one – no time for criminals including those that profess to support the Arsenal!!!
Honestly FG, you’re going too far with that one. Who cares if some excremental criminal supported Arsenal? If Dr. Harold Shipman had supported Arsenal would you want a minute’s silence to mark his death? What about Rosemary and Fred West? Some applause for them, perhaps?
It’s hard enough having people like Piers Morgan as supporters.
I think the Ronnie Biggs’ Minute Silence comment might be one of the most ill-judged i’ve ever seen
Coming up against a wild shawcross ape during mating season is hardly day to day but he makes a good point
Apparently Bin Laden was an Arsenal supporter.
I love being a Gooner, but the one problem I have with so many of my fellow Reds is their lack of irony.
Pace, power, technique, intelligence, decent vision and imagination………kid’s got no chance.
Its like a new signing
Atleast Sanogo’s followed in Diaby’s footsteps thus far.
Bin Laden probably was a Gooner which is why the CIA fucked him.
Sorry, the FA!… my mistake.