Oxlade-Chamberlain ruled out of World Cup after suffering knee injury

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's World Cup dream has been crushed.

Liverpool confirmed Wednesday the midfielder suffered a knee ligament injury against Roma that's ruled him out for the remainder of the season and England's campaign in Russia.

An innocent coming-together with Aleksandar Kolarov in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final match forced Oxlade-Chamberlain off on a stretcher. Manager Jurgen Klopp admitted after the 5-2 first-leg victory that the injury looked "really bad," and that, despite such a dominant outing, it dampened the atmosphere in the dressing room.

"Absolutely devastated to have picked up this injury at such a crucial time in the season. Gutted I won't be able to play any further part now in our Champions League run for Liverpool, and also the World Cup with the England," Oxlade-Chamberlain wrote on Twitter.

"But now it's all about supporting the boys and getting behind them. I know we have what it takes to do something special in this tournament. I'm going to give everything I have to make sure I'm back as quickly as possible."

Oxlade-Chamberlain had finally emerged as a regular starter in Klopp's lineup, putting in impressive performances in the midfield role he has always coveted.

England manager Gareth Southgate will now seek a replacement for the former Arsenal man, who had been a shoo-in to make the Three Lions' 23-man World Cup squad. Newcastle's Jonjo Shelvey, Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, and Manchester City's Fabian Delph are likely to be considered early contenders for selection.

Of more immediate concern is Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League glory. Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to slot in a midfield three with Jordan Henderson and James Milner for the return leg in Rome next week, with Adam Lallana and Emre Can also sidelined due to injury.

Oxlade-Chamberlain scored five goals in 41 appearances for the Reds this season following his £35-million move from Arsenal. He has been capped 35 times by England.