Liverpool team news: Predicted XI vs Southampton as Alexander-Arnold and Nunez calls made

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be forced to draft in a replacement right-back for the trip to Southampton on Sunday (kick-off 2pm) as Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out with injury. The England international was forced off half midway through the first half when the Reds defeated Aston Villa before the international break and has failed to recover in time for the trip to Hampshire.

Slot will also be without goalkeeper Alisson, who is still nursing a hamstring injury, and Diogo Jota. And he will also have to make last-minute decisions on the conditions of South American trio Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz following their international endeavours.

Express Sport looks at how the 2020 Premier League champions could line up in the top versus bottom clash.

Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Kelleher

Caoimhin Kelleher has conceded just four goals in seven matches since stepping in to replace Alisson at the start of October and kept his fourth clean sheet of the season against Villa last time out. The 25-year-old is well-trusted by Slot and his team-mates and will remain in between the posts against the Saints.

Defence: Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson

Conor Bradley impressed after replacing Alexander-Arnold in the first half against the Villans and is in line for his first Premier League start of the campaign.

Andy Robertson, who scored for Scotland over the international break, could be selected on the left flank, despite being forced to share gametime with Kostas Tsimikas this season.

Slot confirmed during his press conference on Friday that Virgil van Dijk will be fit for the match, with the Netherlands international likely to be partnered by Ibrahima Konate at the heart of the backline once again.

Midfield: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai

Slot also vowed that his South American players often return from international duty with jet lag, which could harm Alexis Mac Allister’s chances of starting.

The Argentina international could be replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, with Ryan Gravenberch keeping his place after excelling under his new manager this season.

Forwards: Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Nunez

Mohamed Salah has enjoyed a rare rest over the international break after being exempted from the Egypt squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 32-year-old will be raring to go against Russell Martin’s team after already bagging an incredible 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season.

Cody Gakpo could come in for Luis Diaz on the wing after the Colombia international played back-to-back 90 minutes for his country, while Curtis Jones could keep his place after bagging a goal on his England debut.

In the absence of Jota, Slot will be hoping Nunez is able to start after playing 45 minutes against Brazil on Wednesday night. The Dutchman could hand the Uruguay international the task of leading the frontline.