Oxlade-Chamberlain makes 1st start for Liverpool since April 2018

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first start for Liverpool in over a year in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old was selected ahead of Roberto Firmino for the European curtain-raiser against Europa League winners Chelsea.

Oxlade-Chamberlain last played from the opening whistle in April 2018, when he suffered a devastating knee injury against Roma in the Champions League semifinals.

Manager Jurgen Klopp slowly eased Oxlade-Chamberlain back into the squad last season, handing him minutes off the bench toward the end of the campaign. The former Arsenal midfielder made cameo appearances in Premier League matches against Huddersfield Town and Wolves.

Although he started in several of Liverpool's preseason friendlies, Oxlade-Chamberlain came on as a late sub in the Community Shield against Manchester City on Aug. 4.

He was also held out of Liverpool's opening 4-1 win over Norwich City last weekend.