Latest Liverpool news: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set for U23 return against Derby County

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to make his return to the U23 Liverpool side when they face Derby County on Friday.

The Englishman has been out of action since hurting his knee in the Champions League semi against Roma last season.

The Guardian

adds that the midfielder was expected to be out for longer as Jurgen Klopp had suggested it would be a bonus if the Ox played competitive football in this campaign.

However, the 25-year-old has made a quicker than expected recovery and has been training with the first-team for several weeks.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the Reds last summer from Arsenal and slowly got into the groove of things before the season ending injury occurred.

Not risking the Ox for the mini-derby

Although the first-team played out a 0-0 against Everton on Sunday, the report

adds that the Ox was not risked in the U23 derby on Monday.

This was a wise decision as any derby is a charged affair, and we need to be a little careful with the Ox’s return to the first-team.

A driving force from midfield has been missing this season for the Reds. Liverpool signed Naby Keita from RB Leipzig but the Guinea star hasn’t been consistent.

The Reds could do with someone like Oxlade-Chamberlain back in the team as we chase the Premier League title.

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We lie just a point behind Manchester City after the recent set of matches, and hopefully, the Cityzens drop a few points in the coming weeks.