Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to be nursed by Arsenal as persistent groin injury causes concern ahead of World Cup



Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be nursed through the remainder of Arsenal's season due to a persistent groin injury.



The midfielder's been struggling with the problem for several weeks and is having to be managed through the closing weeks of the campaign.



Oxlade-Chamberlain trained just once before the FA Cup semi-final win against Wigan earlier this month, where he played 120 minutes.

The Ox Lack of game time: Oxlade-Chamberlain has played just 16 minutes since the FA Cup semi on April 12

The England international has played just 16 minutes of football since the Wembley win.



Arsenal's medical team are keeping a close eye on the niggling injury to ensure the problem does not manifest into something more serious.



Manager Arsene Wenger wants as many options open to him as possible in the coming weeks as he looks to secure a top-four finish and win the FA Cup and is keen not to completely pull the youngster out of the firing line.



But Oxlade-Chamberlain could be used sparingly between now and the season's end, particularly with Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey now fit.



The news will also concern England manager Roy Hodgson, who is almost certain to name the former Southampton man in his World Cup squad.