---
title: "Oxlade-Chamberlain closing in on Liverpool return"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/oxlade-chamberlain-closing-in-on-liverpool-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oliver Birch"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2019-03-02T19:43:12Z"
modified: "2019-03-02T19:43:47Z"
---

# Oxlade-Chamberlain closing in on Liverpool return

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is closing in on his return to full fitness following his lengthy injury,[the Liverpool Echo report.](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alex-oxlade-chamberlain-brink-liverpool-15912429)

Chamberlain has not featured for the Reds since rupturing knee ligaments in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Roma 11 months ago, and had initially been ruled out of the entire 2018/19 campaign by boss Jurgen Klopp.

However, the midfielder returned to training last month and is said to be in line to feature for Liverpool’s Under 23’s in the next week.

![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2019/03/1125678067.jpg)

Neil Critchley’s side host Everton in the Premier League 2 Merseyside derby on Monday night before travelling to Derby County on Friday.

The 25-year-old will face a late fitness test ahead of the derby to determine whether he makes his return against the Toffees or against Derby, with Klopp keen for the midfielder to build his match fitness playing for the U23’s.

The Liverpool boss spoke about Chamberlain’s injury earlier in the week, stating the midfielder is participating in training but is not yet ready to give 100% in every session.

> Ox is doing 70% of team training. He trains fully but not as much as the others. Then he leaves a bit early to do something else and the things he needs. Everyone is always looking for a reaction but nothing has happened yet. We have to prepare him for his entire career, not just one particular game. When he’s in training it looks very nice.