Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is targeting a comeback before the end of the season.

The England international has been sidelined since he suffered a serious knee injury against Roma in the Champions League semi-final at Anfield back in April.

Jurgen Klopp effectively ruled Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the entire 2018/19 campaign but the £35million man is hopeful that he will be fit to play a part during the run-in.

“I'd love to be able to make an appearance at least before the end of the season,” he said.

“The next target for me is to build up more in the gym towards being able to run outside again. I'll probably have to do two months of running which isn't my favourite thing.

“Once the ball comes out, it will become easier. I've already started passing a ball inside which feels good. When I get outside, I'll feel a lot closer.

“Even when I'm back, I won't be fully at the races but it would be nice to get a few appearances before the end of the season. Probably more mentally, to prove I can do it. Then I have a good pre-season and start afresh next season.”

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Oxlade-Chamberlain says the unwavering backing of Jurgen Klopp and messages of support from the club 's fans has helped keep his spirits up on the long road back to fitness.

“Jurgen's been massive for me,” he said.

“Whenever I see him, he's got a smile on his face. He's really positive and keeps me in his thoughts.

(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“When he talks about the team he will mention me which is nice, especially when the boys are doing so well.

“He has given me time. He has said: 'We know how long this is going to be, don't worry about it, get yourself right and we'll go again.' That's nice to hear.

“It's been a really tough time, not being able to do what I love doing. I've had injuries before where it's been difficult. Fans have said: 'He's injured again, you can't trust him, he's always injured.'

“But here I've only had positive feedback from the fans. You can't ask for anything more.

“When they remind you that you are missed and that they can't wait to see you back out there, it keeps you going massively. I can't thank them enough for that.

“I want to come back and reward their patience and support by getting back on the pitch and performing to the level I was at before and even better hopefully.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain speaks extensively about the biggest setback of his career and his gruelling rehabilitation programme in the latest edition of BetVictor's 'This is Melwood' feature.

The 25-year-old knew he was facing a long spell out as he lay on the Anfield turf in agony in April after sliding in to dispossess Aleksandar Kolarov.

“I've had loads of kicks over the years, I'm not one to roll around, I get back up pretty quickly,” he said.

“But straight away, I knew I was in a bit of trouble – something bad had happened. Dejan Lovren was stood over me with his head in his hands.

(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

“I remember sitting in the recovery room in the tunnel and asking: 'Is it my ACL? Be honest with me.'

“They said they were worried about that and as it turned out it was.”

Over the past seven months Oxlade-Chamberlain has struck up a close bond with teenage striker Rhian Brewster, who is on the comeback trail himself after undergoing surgery on both his ankle and knee earlier this year.

Brewster has been given the green light to start training outside at Melwood as he targets a senior debut.

“It's nice for me to have a younger lad I can guide through it as well,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“Rhian is a brilliant lad and I don't need to tell him too much. A lot of the time, it's him checking in on me.

“He's so positive and has that youthful enthusiasm about him. He keeps me going.

“He's decided to leave me now - so selfish of him to get himself back out on the pitch and leave me in here!

“I'm glad to see him pushing on. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do on the pitch now.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain says he owes a debt of gratitude to physio Richie Partridge, who has been with him every step of the way.

"Richie has been brilliant for me," he added.

"The biggest thing is the mental battle. There are days when you're not performing well, the knee is sore and you're getting frustrated.

"Richie is good at seeing those moments and saying: 'Well, just do this today, clear your head and we'll start afresh tomorrow. I can't thank him enough but he hasn't got me back fit yet so I can't get him too carried away!

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"You probably have a lot more bad days than good days when you are in rehab because ultimately you are doing something that you don't want to do.

"You are in here with the lads every day, you have your laughs and jokes with them, then they go off and put their boots on to train. You are left in a silent room doing your gym work. Those moments are the most difficult ones, especially when you know it's going to be a long process.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain takes on the crossbar challenge with his weaker foot

"I stand at the window watching training – watching Robbo (Andy Robertson) struggle to cross a ball in and then give him a bit of stick when he comes in!

"I struggle to go to the games. That's when it's most frustrating but it's important to show support for the boys."

* Watch the chat with Oxlade-Chamberlain in full HERE