• England

Oxlade-Chamberlain faces fight for World Cup spot

ESPN staff
November 17, 2013
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has not played since Arsenal's opening day defeat to Aston Villa © Getty Images
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be left fighting for a place in England's World Cup squad after reports suggested the Arsenal winger suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out of action since his side's 3-1 opening day Premier League defeat to Aston Villa, and reports in the Sunday People indicate the 20-year-old cannot return to training until mid-December.

That would mean Oxlade-Chamberlain may not be in contention for a place in Arsene Wenger's starting XI until early 2014.

With the summer arrival of Mesut Ozil aiding the club's strong start to the season, Oxlade-Chamberlain could again find himself used sparingly when fit to play.

While England manager Roy Hodgson is known to be an admirer of the youngster's talents, a lack of competitive action could hinder Oxlade-Chamberlain's hopes of a seat on the plane to Brazil.

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson has suggested Jack Wilshere has plenty of time to complete a run of games and find his form for both club and country.

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