OPINION
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his long-awaited return today from serious injury. He played for Liverpool Under-23s in the match against Derby, and fans were thrilled to see him back in action, although there was a small scare at the end of the first-half when he left the pitch with a physio earlier than expected.
It could still be a long way back to the first-team. Liverpool won’t want to rush him and he hasn’t played since the Champions League game against Roma last April. With almost a year out, Klopp will proceed with caution but Liverpool fans will be looking forward to him making a contribution for the season run-in. The return of the Ox would be a massive boost.
How was he today? Fairly solid and he went in for a tackle early on without any fear, which was good to see. He also sprayed around some nice passes. His fitness is obviously an issue – almost a year out will do that to you – but it was a really promising comeback. However, he was taken off after 41 minutes – earlier than expected and he headed straight to the dressing room with a physio. Hopefully, it’s nothing more than precautionary although he was supposed to see out the whole half.
Here are the best reactions from Liverpool fans:
Every time Ox touches the ball #LFC pic.twitter.com/SCfm5I0IQm
— Nathan O Connor (@NathanOC18) March 8, 2019
— Scott Groom (@ScottCGroom) March 8, 2019
— BabaNdemi (@nyorokaranja) March 8, 2019
That'll do. Start him on Sunday.
— David (@DavidHickman87) March 8, 2019
Me every time Ox touches the ball pic.twitter.com/9R9cXnbuhX
— Dean Van Nguyen (@deanvannguyen) March 8, 2019
Welcome back OX!!! #LFC pic.twitter.com/CEWl31RXeU
— Jacob (@JacobbLFC) March 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/DalglishSir/status/1104028012775919616
So good to see oxlade-chamberlain back on the pitch
— Lee medd (@medderz87) March 8, 2019
Great to have the Ox back in a red shirt. #LFC
— Rahul Puri (@rahulpuri) March 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/mainstandred/status/1104030848096051201