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14 months out injured.

The tough time watching his teammates challenge for silverware without him.

A hamstring injury also set his recovery back, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is finally fit and raring to go.

The England international has only been at Anfield for two seasons now, making 44 appearances in all, but he is a firm fan favourite around the place and a very popular figure.

Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below...

Oxlade-Chamberlain's infectious positivity and desire to to come back from a serious cruciate ligament injury is something to admire, and few players deserve success in Madrid next month more than the 25-year-old.

Luckily for the former Arsenal man, there is a good chance that he'll be rewarded for his efforts with a medal should the Reds go on to lift a sixth European Cup with victory against Tottenham.

UEFA previously confirmed that participating clubs in the Champions League final and the Europa League final will be required to name 12 substitutes, and will be allowed to bring on a fourth sub should the game go to extra-time.

In previous years, players who have been involved as sporadically as Oxlade-Chamberlain wouldn't be likely to make the bench, as those who have been more ever-present are rightfully favoured; the new ruling will give the Liverpool fan favourite an invaluable experience now, however.

UEFA have also said that 40 medals will be presented to each team. Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn't featured once for the Reds in Europe this term and usually wouldn't be considered for a medal at all, but UEFA's ruling that 23 players instead of 18 must be included in the matchday squad should see him placed on the bench.

All of his hard work in helping Liverpool get to the final last season, including that wonder-strike against Manchester City, before injury struck against Roma in the semi-final should see Oxlade-Chamberlain rewarded with a medal - news that will certainly go down well with a fanbase who adore the Southampton academy graduate.