After playing just over an hour of football in the 4-0 win against Singapore XI a couple of days ago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been reflecting on the beginning of pre-season, and what this season may hold for him after one where he missed much of it through injury.
“It’s always nice to play a game,” he told Arsenal Player. “Everyone looks to pre-season and getting going – it’s a good opportunity for all of us to get fitness back.
“It’s a step in the right direction to getting back to full fitness, not just for myself but for everyone. We’re looking forward to the start of the season.
“I’ve seen every year as a big one for me and this is no different. I did suffer from injuries for the last two seasons now, which is always frustrating and isn’t something you want.”
Chamberlain will be looking to have a more important part to play in the team, after injuries disrupted any chance he had of making a case for a regular place last season, and he clearly sees Arsenal’s Singapore tour as a chance for him to make his claim early on.
“I do see this season as an opportunity. First and foremost, you have to do everything you can to stay fit, so I’m working on that. Then you never know what can happen in football. You’ve got to be positive and take any opportunities you get.
“For now I’m just focused on trying to get my fitness back and make the start of the season in the best possible shape to give the boss a hard time so he has to think about his selections.
“We’re all thinking that – there’s been a lot of competitiveness in training. There’s been a high standard set and even the boys that have just come back look sharp and ready. That’s what we need looking ahead to the start of the season.
“It’s not just me who thinks it’s a good opportunity, it’s a good opportunity for all of us, especially off the back of a good end to the season last year.
“But for myself it is an important season for me and I’ll just approach it the same way I have all of the other seasons”.
With Alexis Sanchez not returning from holiday until the 3rd August due to his appearances for Chile in the Copa America, where he scored the winning penalty in the final, Oxlade-Chamberlain has an opportunity to show in the few games Alexis will miss that, even with the Chilean back in the side, he should still start. He does have a fight on his hands however, with Theo Walcott also eyeing that wide midfield position, as well as the job of front man.
