Daniel Sturridge admits it is “great” to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back with the Liverpool squad.
The former Arsenal man has not played competitively since suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Roma last April.
It has been a long road to recovery for the 25-year-old, but his return to first team action is edging closer all the time.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to play 45 minutes for Liverpool’s U23s at Derby County on Friday lunchtime – another significant step in the right direction.
He has been a huge loss on the pitch, but his likeable personality has also been missed.
Speaking on LFC Later, Sturridge has lauded his friend and teammate, praising the positive energy he brings to the squad:
He’s been missed. I love that guy!
He’s been through a big injury, which is difficult to return from. But it’s his dedication, his hard work that he has put in on the training pitch.
The banter he brings to the boys, to the group, the lads, I love being around him, so it’s great to see him back out there and to see him so sharp as well.
He’s been really sharp out there and he doesn’t seem as though he has been injured. It’s great to have him back.
Liverpool are expected to be careful in not rushing Oxlade-Chamberlain back too soon, and he won’t play for the Reds before the international break later this month.
He could yet have a major say in the Premier League title race, though, with his pace and dynamism in midfield giving Jurgen Klopp’s side an extra attacking dimension.
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