Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his Liverpool return today after almost a year out with a serious knee injury.The Englishman lined up for the Reds' U23 side in central midfield alongside Adam Lewis and Connor Randall, with Derby their opponent in the Premier League 2.Reporters at the game were quick to point out that Oxlade-Chamberlain had clearly not lost his eye for a pass.However, he clearly did not look match fit, which is to be expected after nearly a year out of the sport.
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There was some concern when the England international left the pitch on 41 minutes, especially as he was pictured leaving with a physio.
However, Neil Jones of the Goal was quick to tweet that Oxlade-Chamberlain had reassured the media that he had not picked up an injury, despite exiting the pitch at a rather odd time.
https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1104032885126909953
Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo also tweeted that the 25-year-old appeared to be moving just fine when leaving for the dressing room.
https://twitter.com/IanDoyleSport/status/1104031684876554240
The Times' Paul Joyce stressed that Oxlade-Chamberlain had been feeling his hamstring and was taken off simply as a precaution.
https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/1104036803521187841
Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up his horrendous injury last April in the Champions League semi-final first-leg against AS Roma.
He had become Jurgen Klopp's key box-to-box midfielder, the perfect player to link the midfield and attack in the absence of Philippe Coutinho.
While Liverpool have been brilliant in 2018/19, they have been crying out for the England international in a number of frustrating games.
However, given the severity of his injury, Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to be able to play a major role in the side this season.
Building up match fitness and sharpness for 25-year-old will be a gruelling task, especially given the full-throttle nature of the Premier League.
Let's all hope his full recovery is smooth and problem free.