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Jurgen Klopp insists that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs more playing time before claiming a return of the first Liverpool team.
The England international has played an hour of friendly matches in Bury against Melwood this week, but will not be counted for Sunday 's Premier League game with Chelsea at Anfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain regained form after a serious knee injury in the Champions League semi-final against Roma in the past year.
The 25-year-old midfielder first made his comeback in the under-23 Liverpool game against Derby County last month, but he had a hamstring problem.
With Klopp's other midfielders in top shape and trained, the manager will continue to be cautious about Oxlade-Chamberlain after such a long absence.
"It's been a long time," Klopp said.
"He played 40 minutes against Derby, then 60 minutes in an internal game, he needs more minutes to play.
"It's difficult because everyone else is in good shape, how do I compare?" It sounds good in practice, like Joe (Gomez), but we need to make sure they're really ready.
"These were serious injuries, we want to have them for the future, not for one game, which is why we try to be as serious as possible."
Klopp is confident that Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum will be able to beat the shots in time to face Chelsea.
"Sadio fell on his thumb and did not train yesterday," Klopp revealed.
"He should be fine today." Gini has a back problem but will result today. "
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