England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would remain in the squad despite his injury. Information Nigeria understands.
The Arsenal starlet suffered medial knee ligament damage while on duty for the Lions in a friendly against Ecuador.
Now with the winger set to be sidelined for atleast 15 days, the Boss is hopeful he recuperates on time, and is guaranteed a stay in the squad.
“We will do everything in our power to keep him. Our medical team are optimistic and he is optimistic,” he told a fans’ forum in Miami.
“We can’t say how long for certain it will take him to recover but obviously he will get very extensive treatment.
“We will do everything we can to keep him with us because we would we like to think we might go beyond the group stage although we can’t guarantee it, we are certainly planning for it.”
Chamberlain’s beasty performance against Ecuador did not go unnotice by his coach, who expressed satisfaction of his scintillating display.
“He played so well yesterday [against Ecuador],” he added. “He was undoubtedly our best player in the time he played, and it would be a major blow if we lose him.
“He was back really to his best so all I can do now I suppose is cross my fingers and touch every piece of wood I pass by that it is not serious.”