Show caption Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training for several weeks with the Liverpool first-team squad, in preparation for his comeback from a serious knee injury. Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images Liverpool Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to return from injury with Liverpool Under-23s • Midfielder has been out nearly a year with knee injury

• Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with first team Andy Hunter Mon 4 Mar 2019 12.00 GMT Share on Facebook

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is scheduled to take a significant step in his recovery from a serious knee injury with an appearance for Liverpool Under-23s against Derby on Friday.

The midfielder has been out since last April when he damaged cruciate and medial ligaments, plus the tendons to his hamstring, in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma. The severity of the injury was kept from teammates at the request of Oxlade-Chamberlain until their European campaign was over.

Jürgen Klopp admitted last July it would be a bonus should the 25-year-old make a competitive appearance for the club this season but he is on course to beat the anticipated 12-month lay-off.

“He has been training with the first-team squad for several weeks – “70% of team training then he leaves a bit early to do something else and the things he needs,” Klopp said last week.

Liverpool had considered Oxlade-Chamberlain for the “mini-derby” with Everton on Monday night but opted against a comeback in a more charged contest with local rivals. The midfielder will be involved for Neil Critchley’s team at Derby instead as he eyes making an unexpected but much welcome return before the end of Liverpool’s title-chasing season.