Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be back in action before the end of the season following his recovery from a knee injury
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Jurgen Klopp has insisted Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will have to play more games behind scene before he's in contention for a Liverpool first-team comeback.
Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly played an hour in a closed doors friendly against Bury at Melwood last week but was not expected to be back in Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Anfield.
The England international initially made his return to action for Liverpool Under-23s against Derby County last month but faced a hamstring problem during the game.
Liverpool's other midfield options are fit and firing, and Klopp is not under pressure over the return of the former Arsenal man who's still under check.
“It's just been a long time," Klopp said.
"He played 40 minutes against Derby and then 60 minutes in an internal game. He needs more minutes to play.
"It's difficult because all the others are fit. How can I compare? It looks positive in training, like Joe (Gomez), but we need to make sure they are really ready.
"They were serious injuries. We want to have them for the future, not only one game. That's why we try to be as serious as possible."