Chamberlain Reveals Inspiration During Time Out with Injury

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed that he was reminiscing about the goal he scored against Brazil at the Maracana to help him recover from the injury which threatened to shelve his World Cup dreams.

The midfielder is back in full fitness and is looking to help Arsenal win their first trophy in over eight years.

The England international scored a brace against Crystal Palace in the beginning of February to secure three crucial points for the Gunners and also scored the opener against Liverpool in their 2-1 win over the Reds in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The midfielder has taken over following an injury to Theo Walcott, who is out for the season, and has been entrusted with the job to provide pace from the flanks. The Englishman is currently with the national team for their friendly against Denmark and is likely to make the squad to travel to Brazil, having already made Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012.

"When you are injured for a long period of time, looking back on moments in your career is inspiration and motivation to continue the hard work. I'm not going to lie, I did have a few looks back at that moment and it kept me working hard - now I am back and fit and focused," Chamberlain said.

"I have been working for five months to get back on to the pitch so this is a nice reward to be in the team. You always have to be on your toes and take the opportunity when it comes. I am still a young player and learning my trade as I go along.

"When I get the opportunities, I have to try my best and show what I can offer. It's the biggest England squad I have been involved with. It is nice to see a lot of faces around - to get everyone together and a bigger number is definitely exciting. Again, competition for places ups the level and tunes us in a bit more," he concluded.