An injury list entering crisis territory didn't stop Liverpool claiming the first English trophy of the season.
The Reds brought the kids on in the closing stages of Sunday's Carabao Cup final and still managed to squeeze past Chelsea at Wembley thanks to Virgil van Dijk's extra-time header. However, the silverware came at a cost to Jurgen Klopp's squad.
A number of important players missed the cup final, where the likes of Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch also suffered fresh knocks in blows to Liverpool's run-in hopes.
With Southampton the upcoming visitors to Anfield in the FA Cup, here are the Reds players who are fitness doubts and those who won't be available.
Goalkeepers & defenders
While a few players at the back are injured, Liverpool's spine in defence is still strong, even with the absence of world-class goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The Brazil international has a hamstring injury that he sustained before the win at Brentford, with a return not likely until late Match.
Key creative outlet Trent Alexander-Arnold was pictured in a knee brace while watching the Carabao Cup final, having last played against Burnley on 10 February. He could be sidelined until after the next international break.
Joel Matip is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and may have played his last game for Liverpool.
Midfielders
Liverpool suffered two significant injury blows in the cup final on Sunday. Ryan Gravenberch was an early casualty, coming off in the 28th minute with an ankle issue after a challenge from Moises Caicedo. The Dutchman won't feature in the next two matches, while Wataru Endo may also be rested on Wednesday night.
Klopp described the Japan international's problem as a "proper knock" and admitted it has not improved much since the weekend, when he was pictured on crutches and in a protective boot, likely ruling Endo out of contention against Southampton.
Thiago Alcantara returned to the treatment table after a brief appearance against Arsenal, with no timeline yet established ahead of his contract expiring in the summer. Curtis Jones' ankle injury will keep him out of contention again, while Stefan Bajcetic is still waiting for the green light to return to squad training.
Dominik Szoboszlai admitted he was frustrated not to play against Chelsea due to a hamstring injury. The Hungarian may not be risked against the Saints, having already missed six games since late January.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah's return from a hamstring injury was short-lived despite scoring at Brentford, missing the last three games with muscle issues.
The Egyptian's absence has been compounded by both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota being unavailable. While the Uruguayan sprinted onto the Wembley turf to celebrate Liverpool's Carabao Cup success and looks set to return soon, Jota faces around two months out with a knee injury.
Youngster Ben Doak almost certainly would have been given game time over the past few fixtures had he been fit, but the 18-year-old hasn't played since December.
Liverpool players missing for Southampton match
Player | Absence |
|---|---|
Alisson Becker | Out |
Trent Alexander-Arnold | Out |
Joel Matip | Out |
Wataru Endo | Doubt |
Thiago Alcantara | Out |
Stefan Bajcetic | Out |
Dominik Szoboszlai | Doubt |
Curtis Jones | Out |
Ryan Gravenberch | Out |
Mohamed Salah | Doubt |
Diogo Jota | Out |
Darwin Nunez | Doubt |
Ben Doak | Out |
