Southampton have no injury concerns as they prepare to host UEFA Super Cup winners Liverpool at St Mary’s on Saturday. The Reds head to the south coast off the back of beating Chelsea in Wednesday’s Super Cup, after the match went through extra-time and penalties.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who helped the club avoid relegation from the Premier League last season, confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Liverpool game, with new signing Kevin Danso also having joined up with the squad earlier this week.
The Saints manager has revealed some departures are still possible during the European transfer window, with midfielder Mario Lemina one player having been linked with a move away ahead of the encounter with Liverpool.
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“Most of them maybe on loan, but I think the best thing for the players and for us would be something permanently because it helps both sides more,” he said. “If we find a package for these three sides, the other club also, then transfers can happen, otherwise they stay here.”
The Saints will be determined to bounce back on home soil after they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Burnley on the opening weekend of the season.
As for the Reds they will have to overcome the trip back from Istanbul and the rigours of the penalty shootout win over Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in midweek.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will once again be without goalkeeper Alisson, who missed the Super Cup due to a calf injury he sustained in the 4-1 victory over Norwich City in the opening Premier League game of the season.
Summer arrival Adrian, who saved the all-important penalty from Tammy Abraham on Wednesday night, will continue his fairy-tale start with the Reds between the sticks at St Mary’s.
Klopp will have a decision to make regarding whether Divock Origi keeps his place in the starting line-up after he started against the Canaries at Anfield.
Sadio Mane was rested after his efforts with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations but he could ready for his first Premier League start of the season on the south coast against his former club.
Liverpool will be looking to continue their impressive record against the Saints this weekend, having scored 11 goals in their previous four league meetings.Mohamed Salah will also be looking to maintain his perfect record, as he has scored in every Premier League meeting for the Reds against Southampton.
