Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain takes important step towards the return of the first Liverpool team behind closed doors

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is about to make his comeback in the first Liverpool squad, eagerly awaited after playing a friendly game in camera at Melwood.

The Reds midfielder, who spent the last year recovering from a serious knee injury, scored about an hour in Tuesday's game against Bury.

This is the longest match played by Oxlade-Chamberlain since its first leg in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma last April.

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The 25-year-old made his comeback for the Under-23 Liverpool against Derby County on March 8, but was replaced after 40 minutes of play due to hamstring discomfort.

This problem has since been resolved and four and a half weeks at Oxlade-Chamberlain have been given the green light to get more playing time under its belt.

Jurgen Klopp has promised to keep the English international "in the shadows" until he is ready to take his place in a first – day team.

Rhian Brewster also played Tuesday in the in-camera match against Bury. The 19-year-old striker has his eyes riveted on his senior debut, after recovering from an operation both at the knee and ankle.

Joe Gomez was ready to fight after a fractured leg after four months behind schedule, but was pulled after Alberto Moreno was dismissed from the first leg in the Champions League quarter-finals against Porto.

As a result, Gomez was named among the submarines. This is the first time since the beginning of December in a team played in a match.