Liverpool fielded a much-changed lineup against Derby County in the Carabao Cup in midweek, with Jurgen Klopp’s men progressing through to the next round by winning via a penalty shootout.

Bigger challenges await, however, with Southampton the visitors to Anfield in what is the last Premier League match before the hiatus for the World Cup, which starts in just eight days.

The German will likely bring back his big hitters for the crucial league match, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson all being inserted back into the starting XI.

One player who must also come back into the team is defender Ibrahima Konate, who has impressed during his few appearances this term, having missed ten matches due to injury.

On the chalkboard

The £70k-per-week Frenchman has become an integral part of the Liverpool side since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021, winning both the EFL Cup and FA Cup in his first full season, forming a formidable partnership with Van Dijk at the heart of the club’s defence.

His performances even led the legendary Phil Thompson to dub him an “absolute dream” and he has certainly taken to life in England with ease.

This season has been a different story, however, with the injury niggles and the fact Liverpool are way off the pace in the title race. The 23-year-old did shine on his last appearance, the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and Klopp should be slotting him into the starting XI today.

Against Spurs, Konate made nine clearances, three tackles, and two interceptions while also winning 11 out of 13 duels during the tie, proving that his physical strength remains intact.

Harry Kane did score, but the Reds rear-guard stood up to the task and prevented an equaliser in what was an important away victory.

Despite his injury woes, he was included in the French World Cup squad, with James Pearce underlining exactly what an “asset” he is - in the words of The Athletic's James Pearce - for both club and country.