Liverpool team news: Mamadou Sakho and Lucas Leiva return to training

Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho (R) and Lucas Leiva (L)

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Mamadou Sakho and Lucas Leiva have both returned to training, but suggested that Saturday’s trip to Southampton could well prove too soon for them.

The pair have been long-term absentees, with Sakho having failed to make an appearance in the year 2014 due to a hamstring injury, while Lucas has been absent since the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa after damaging knee ligaments.

However, both are on the comeback trail having resumed full training and could well be ready to return – but with the following weekend a more likely comeback date.

Rodgers told reporters, “Mamadou Sakho has trained this week, but it’ll probably be too early for him this weekend. Lucas has also returned to training. Jose Enrique is still out.”

Rodgers also gave an update on the condition of Enrique, who has been absent for some time with a knee ligament issue of his own.

“Enrique’s issues are ongoing. He’s rehabilitating well here now after America. There’s no timeline, just trust in the medical team.”

Liverpool will travel to St Mary’s stadium on Saturday evening with the opportunity to go third, with Brendan Rodgers expected to name an unchanged lineup to that which started the 4-3 thriller against Swansea City last weekend.

Mamadou Sakho has won 20 tackles in 12 appearances this season, at a success rate of 69%. Daniel Agger has won just 13, winning just 52% of his attempts.