CONFIRMED LIVERPOOL STARTING XI AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON:INJURY UPDATES AND SUSPENSION PLAYERS Must rest players: VVD, TAA, Gravenberch, Salah.

Liverpool XI vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Carabao Cup

The holders are aiming to book a semi-final place

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has admitted Diogo Jota is a doubt for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup cup trip to Southampton.

The Dutchman has used the competition so far to rotate his squad, giving minutes to those who haven’t played much and it could be more of the same on Wednesday night as the holders look to book a semi-final place.

Jota scored during the 2-2 draw with Fulham but has since suffered a minor setback.

Slot also does have somewhat of a selection dilemma on his hands in defence. As red cards are carried over from the Premier League to domestic cup competitions, Andy Robertson is suspended after being sent-off against the Cottagers.

Now, one option is to hand a youngster James Norris a chance or switch Joe Gomez out to full-back with Jarell Quansah partnering Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence with Ibrahima Konate likely to miss out too.

Though, Konstantinos Tsimikas could be in contention at St Mary’s after Slot revealed the left-back was due to return to training after a spell on the sidelines.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas; Endo, Morton; Chiesa, Elliott, Gakpo; Nunez

Doubts: Jota, Tsimikas

Injured: Konate, Bradley

Suspended: Robertson

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Wednesday, December 18

Venue: St Mary’s