Liverpool line-up for Southampton as three changes made and new injury emerges

Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz drop to the bench for Liverpool as they aim to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League at Southampton. Mac Allister was withdrawn late on for Argentina earlier this week after a poor challenge from Peru's Carlos Zambrano and was assessed after his return to the AXA Training Centre.

The 2022 World Cup winner is left on the substitutes' bench as a result of his international exertions and the same applies to Diaz, who was involved in Colombia's defeats to Uruguay and Ecuador during the break.

Harvey Elliottis included in a matchday squad for the first time since September. The midfielder suffered a foot fracture on England Under-21 duty two months ago but is back in the squad after returning to full training during the international break.

Andy Robertsonkeeps his place at left-back over Kostas Tsimikas, with Conor Bradley starting in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is aiming to return next week after a hamstring issue. Tsimikas, who picked up a knock in training, misses out entirely, with goalkeeper Harvey Davies drafted in.

Darwin Nunez leads the line and Cody Gakpo comes in on the left side of the attack. Mohamed Salah starts on the right side as he aims to add to his tally of 10 goals and 10 assists this term.

Alisson Beckeris not yet included in the match-day squad so Caoimhin Kelleher keeps his place with Vitezslav Jaros acting as deputy once more for the Republic of Ireland international.

Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez. Subs: Jaros, Davies, Gomez, Endo, Diaz, Mac Allister, Elliott, Quansah, Morton.

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Southampton: Subs:McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Fraser, Downes, Lallana, Fernandes, Dibling, Armstrong, Onuachu. Subs: Lumley, Sugawara, Bree, Manning, Ugochukwu, Aribo, Kamaldeen, Brereton Diaz, Archer.