Salah and Nunez Start as 23-year-old Returns in Liverpool Predicted XI vs Southampton

The potential return of three pivotal Liverpool players is on the horizon, potentially bolstering the team for their upcoming FA Cup clash against Southampton.

Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai narrowly missed securing spots in the squad for the victorious Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp is set to provide an update on the team’s status on Tuesday, with hopes high for the return of Salah, Nunez, and Szoboszlai, as they edge closer to full fitness. However, Klopp faces new concerns with injuries to two players.

Wataru Endo was seen leaving Wembley on crutches and wearing a protective boot, indicating a potential injury setback. Additionally, Ryan Gravenberch was forced off the field on a stretcher, raising fears of ankle ligament damage following a challenge by Moises Caicedo.

Liverpool’s midfield is heavily impacted by injuries, with Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara, and Stefan Bajcetic joining the growing list of unavailable players.

This creates an opportunity for young talents Bobby Clark and James McConnell, who impressed against Chelsea, to potentially receive starting roles in the FA Cup tie. 23-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai, recovering from a hamstring issue, might return via the bench if the Reds choose to play it safe.

In defence, Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas could be brought in to give regular starters a break as Liverpool face a congested fixture schedule. Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to continue in goal with Alisson Becker still sidelined.

Luis Diaz might be rested by manager Jurgen Klopp if both Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are deemed fit to start. Diaz has played a heavy workload, starting 11 out of Liverpool’s last 12 games, with the FA Cup win over Norwich being his only appearance as a substitute during this period.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Mac Allister, McConnell; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo