Oxlade-Chamberlain 'feels fine' after playing 41 minutes on Liverpool U23 return

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was able to pull on a Liverpool shirt for the first time in 11 months on Friday, and allayed fears that he'd suffered another setback

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The Reds midfielder started for the club's Under-23 side in their Premier League 2 clash with Derby County on the Rams' Moor Farm training ground, making his first appearance on a football pitch since injuring his knee in the Champions League semi-final against Roma last April.

He played for 41 minutes of the match before being replaced by Isaac Christie-Davies and heading straight for the changing room, although there was no sign of any injury and he later confirmed to reporters that he felt fine.

And while his fitness was clearly lacking, it was also easy to see the quality that he could add to the Liverpool side if he can return to full working order this season.

He was involved heavily early on in the match, linking with teenage right-back Ki-Jana Hoever to good effect as Liverpool looked to build attacks.

The 32-times capped England international seemed happy to play deeper than usual, and sprayed out several fine passes including one great ball out to Ben Woodburn, who started upfront.

There was a bit of rustiness, including once when he gave the ball away on the touchline, and was to depart just before the break with Liverpool 1-0 up through a Curtis Jones goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was seen in discussion with Liverpool's physios as he went off slightly earlier than was planned, but he quickly allayed fears of any injury.

Jurgen Klopp has said that he hopes to have the former Arsenal midfielder available to add creativity to his midfield.

The German spoken about the midfielder's return at his pre-Burnley press conference earlier on Friday.

“Ox is a very smart boy and it is clear that he needs some sessions to prepare himself for a game and he wanted these games as well," said Klopp.

“These games we will see for sure. It looks very positive but it was a long time he was out so we need to be sensible but we think the right time is now.

“Derby is a tough opponent. The previous game against Everton he could have played but I wasn't sure about the intensity but now he is ready and we'll let him start.

“We are excited of course.”