Earlier today, photos from the AXA Training Centre in Liverpool were released, where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was seen back amongst his teammates.
The £125,000-a-week man hasn’t played a single second of football this season due to a serious hamstring injury, which he suffered during the pre-season win over Crystal Palace in July.
Now, however, Oxlade-Chamberlain returns at a perfect time for Liverpool with Arthur set to undergo surgery.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns for Liverpool
Encouragingly, the England international was spotted training with his teammates rather than in a solo session, which suggests he is close to – or has already made – a full recovery.
It is brilliant news for Jürgen Klopp, who has just lost Arthur – the man signed to cover for injuries in midfield – to a serious muscle injury, which is set to rule the Brazilian out for around four months.
You can see a photo of the £40m man back in action below.
Despite Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return to training, we must call for caution.
The Liverpool No.15 didn’t get to complete his pre-season preparations due to his hamstring injury, so Klopp will presumably give him a mini pre-season of his own before throwing him back in at the deep end.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can only play domestically for Liverpool
Interestingly, Oxlade-Chamberlain was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad, which suggests Klopp didn’t expect him to return so quickly. Naby Keita was also left out of the 25-man squad.
As a result, the 29-year-old will not be available for tomorrow’s clash with Rangers regardless of his fitness.
Fortunately for Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool can include up to three new additions to their squad if they reach the knockout stage, as long as the updated roster is submitted before February 2nd.
Therefore, if he continues to recover well, and Liverpool get themselves out of Group A, there could still be time for Oxlade-Chamberlain to shine this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
