Arsenal frontman Oxlade-Chamberlain steps up recovery from injury and is determined not to lose focus



Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is determined not to lose focus as he steps up his recovery from injury.

The Arsenal star has been out of action since picking up a serious knee injury during the Gunners' 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.

Sportsmail revealed on Thursday that former Southampton Academy graduate commenced running this week, a key breakthrough in his road to recovery, and it is hoped he will be available for selection early in the New Year.

Sidelined: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is determined not to lose focus as he steps up his recovery from injury

Painful: Oxlade-Chamberlain injured his knee against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season



However, Oxlade-Chamberlain has refrained from asking the Arsenal medical staff to give him a definite time scale of how long he'll remain on the sidelines.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: 'I don't like to ask because I might lose my focus on the next (rehab) session.

'That's the way I approach it and it has got me through the first four months.

Return: Pictured against Coventry last season, it's hoped Oxlade-Chamberlain will be available for selection in January

Road to recovery: Oxlade-Chamberlain, pictured with Kieran Gibbs, has refrained from asking the medical staff when he will be able to return to the field 'It's not like going to the gym and lifitng dumbbells - it's strengthening your hips, your core and things people would not naturally do. When you are injured you have the time to model your body.'

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Sunday afternoon's clash with Everton and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who signed a new long-term contract at The Emirates along with Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs in December, believes having a 'British core' has benefited the club.

'It's good to have that group of yong lads, you can grow together. To have that British core and people of a similar age group to you, growing up with you in the same environment and learning the 'Arsenal way' is a really good step forward,' said the 20-year-old.

Table-toppers: Arsenal have been in great form so far this season and currently top the Premier League table



'The boss tries to make us play the 'Arsenal way' and now we have a squad that has been here together for a few years, everyone has gelled together and knows the style of play and you see it every day in training and in matches as well.'

Oxlade-Chamberlain will be keen for Arsenal's form to continue when he finally returns to the squad as he bids to impress England manager Roy Hodgson.



The Arsenal frontman scored during England's 2-2 friendly draw with Brazil last June and will be hopeful of returning to South America next summer as England kick off their 2014 World Cup campaign against Italy.

