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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to name another makeshift defence in the Premier League.
The reigning champions are still without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who were joined on the sidelines by Joel Matip in a further blow to their resources in a hectic period of fixtures.
Their German boss could stick with the same defence that kept a clean sheet at Newcastle on Wednesday in a starting XI that could welcome back Thiago after his return to the bench.
Klopp has stated that the Spaniard might be ready after two full sessions of training with his colleagues.
Ahead of what could be the 29-year-old’s first start in two-and-a-half months, his manager has said: ”Unfortunately, I haven't known him for long – only a few months now.
"But, I would like to answer the question, so the fact he could play 20 minutes was pretty special.
"He only had two sessions with the team, that's it. One of the sessions he was 'a joker' – so I'm not sure you can count that really.
"This game gave us an opportunity to introduce him because it was mainly about creating and that's obviously his best skill. We will see but there's a chance.
"He played 20 so there's a chance, we will see if he has no muscle soreness or anything like that.
"He enjoyed the game, the few minutes.
"I like speaking about Thiago but the boys who have done the job so far have done exceptionally well, it's not like we can't survive if he doesn't start the next game.
"But it's very good that he's now fit and is in contention – I like that a lot."
Alisson is set to continue in goal with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nat Phillips, Fabinho and Andy Robertson at the back.
Jordan Henderson could then be joined by Thiago and Gini Wijnaldum in the middle, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in a familiar three man attack.
Liverpool predicted XI 4-3-3
Liverpool expected XI vs Southampton: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Thiago, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
- Liverpool FC
- Premier League
- Southampton FC
- Jurgen Klopp
- Mohamed Salah
- Sadio Mane
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