Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to light training as Reds prepare for Bayern Munich clash

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has taken a huge step in his recovery from a long-term knee injury by returning to light training on Tuesday.

The Liverpool midfielder has been sidelined since damaging knee ligaments last April.

And despite not playing a single minute this season, Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp added Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages.

Liverpool host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next Tuesday, and both games come too soon for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

It is hoped the former Arsenal man will play some part in the quarter-finals stage, should the Reds beat the Bavarians.

Oxlade-Chamberlain took part in the light training session with the rest of his team-mates in a warm-weather trip to Spain.

Klopp is reluctant to rush the England international back, but could have him ready for first-team action by April for their title run-in.

With no FA Cup game to play this weekend, Liverpool have jetted off to Marbella to train ahead of a busy Premier League and Champions League schedule.

The Reds trail league leaders Manchester City on goal difference and will be looking to go one better in Europe after losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in last year’s final.