Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is to be included in Liverpool's Champions League squad for the knockout stages after stepping up his rehabilitation.

The 25-year-old suffered multiple ligament damage against Roma in last April's Champions League semi-final first leg and has been sidelined ever since.

Oxlade-Chamberlain underwent a successful knee surgery in May and was due to miss the entirety of the 2018/19 season. However, he has made huge progress in recent months and is set to be back in the fold sooner than initially expected.

The midfielder travelled with the rest of the squad to Dubai for a mid-season training camp this week, and has been involved in outdoor sessions with the ball for the first time since his injury.

According to the Echo, he should be back training with the rest of the squad by mid to late February, making a possible return to the side in March.

Image: Getty Images via Liverpool FC

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is likely to include Oxlade-Chamberlain in the Reds' Champions League squad for the knockout stages, which will be submitted to UEFA at the end of this month.

The return of the former Arsenal man is highly anticipated after he grew to become an integral part of Liverpool's side during his first season last year.

Liverpool play Everton and Burnley in the first ten days of March but it is unlikely that Klopp will rush him back for those fixtures after such a long time out.

He could feature in the second-leg of Liverpool's last-16 tie against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on 13th March, which would be a big boost to the Reds.

Should Klopp opt not to risk him in such a crucial game, Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his comeback against Fulham in the Premier League three days later, a more likely scenario for his return.

Games Oxlade-Chamberlain Could Return For

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