World Cup 2014 Injuries: Roy Hodgson Optimistic About Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Recovery, Denies Gerrard Injury

England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sits down after performing some running exercises whilst training away from the rest of the squad as he continues to recover from a knee injury during a squad training session for the 2014 soccer World Cup at the Urca military base in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

RIO DE JANEIRO—England coach Roy Hodgson is hopeful Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit for the team’s second World Cup match against Uruguay.

The Arsenal midfielder injured his right knee during a warm-up match against Ecuador last Wednesday.

Hodgson told reporters at England’s training camp in Rio de Janeiro that Oxlade-Chamberlain has been stepping up his recovery and the signs are positive.

Hodgson is hopeful Oxlade-Chamberlain will have recovered for the June 19 match against Uruguay but said he could offer no guarantees.

England opens its World Cup campaign against Italy on Saturday in Manaus.

Hodgson denied reports captain Steven Gerrard had a groin injury.