Southampton vs Liverpool: Ronald Koeman welcomes back Victor Wanyama and Jose Fonte after suspensions

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman will recall Victor Wanyama and Jose Fonte for the visit of Liverpool, but will not have Charlie Austin or Jay Rodriguez available until after the international break.

Wanyama and Fonte missed the 2-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday 12 March due to suspension, but both are ready to return to the starting XI straight away. Sadio Mane will also be available for the visit of Jurgen Klopp's side to St Mary's on Saturday 19 March after the red card he received at the Britannia Stadium was rescinded.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Koeman said: "Victor Wanyama [is back] after his suspension and also Jose [Fonte] will be back in the team."

Rodriguez, meanwhile, has endured an injury-stricken two years, undergoing more surgery on a foot injury in October, but returned for the club's Under-21 ranks on 14 March, where he played an hour in a win over Hartlepool.

Given his lengthy lay-off, Koeman says the 26-year-old will not be considered for a first-team return until after the international break and will be given the chance to complete 90 minutes for the Under-21s in their next game.

"Rodriguez will play 90 minutes for the Under-21s because he needs that game time," Koeman continued. "With the international break coming up and with two weeks of good training he will be ready for the first team, but still he needs to play, he needs game time.

"I didn't see the game [Southampton Under-21s against Hartlepool], but I have information from Jay and [Southampton's technical director] Martin Hunter about that game. It was his first game, 60 minutes [on the pitch]. Before being selected for the first-team you need at least 90 minutes one time."

Austin, meanwhile, picked up a hamstring injury at the beginning of March but is also expected to return after the international break for the club's trip to Leicester City.

"Austin doing is well, he is working hard and he will be available after the international break."