Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson believes having Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fully fit for the start of next season will be like having a 'new signing' in the squad.
The England international ruptured the cruciate, lateral and medial ligaments in his right knee in a Champions League tie against Roma in April 2018, an injury which kept him out for 366 days before his return against Huddersfield earlier this term.
The 25-year-old's return was carefully managed and he made just one more appearance against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season with the Reds keen not avoid a further setback.
Liverpool certainly didn't struggle in the midfielder's absence as they won a sixth Champions League crown and finished second behind Manchester City domestically.
But with Oxlade-Chamberlain set to be fully fit for the start of the new season, Henderson feels the boost his return will give the squad is like that of a new signing.
"I've been close to him for a while, he played big part for us behind scenes last season even though he was injured, always positive," said the Reds captain.
"This season I hope he plays a massive part on the field and shows what he’s capable.
"This pre season is important for him to get back to fitness and he’s been flying so far to be fair.
"He gives us something different and is like a new signing for us, hopefully he can keep stay injury free. He deserves a break."
Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool in August 2017 for a £35m fee from domestic rivals Arsenal , where he had spent the previous six years.
The 25-year-old made 42 appearances in all competitions in his first campaign at Anfield, before suffering that serious knee injury against Roma which kept him out for over a year before returning in April.
