Report: Liverpool optimistic Ox will play before end of season

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could feature as early as March as he ramps up his recovery from a devastating knee injury.

The Echo's James Pearce reports the 25-year-old is on pace to resume full training with his teammates toward the end of February.

Oxlade-Chamberlain - who tore his ACL in the Champions League semifinal against Roma last April - was initially ruled out for the entire 2018-19 season. He ended up missing the final itself and England's World Cup run.

But there's now a possibility for the former Arsenal midfielder to play against Bayern Munich on March 13.

Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly impressed staff during his solo training sessions, increasing the chances of a return before the end of the season.

Klopp expected the £35-million signing to miss the majority of the campaign, saying in July it would be a "bonus" if he made an early recovery.

He registered three goals and seven assists in 32 Premier League appearances last term.