Jurgen Klopp reveals £61.5m Liverpool pair could start up front against Southampton

Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino could start up front for Liverpool on Sunday

JURGEN KLOPP has talked up the fitness levels of Liverpool pair Christian Benteke (thigh) and Roberto Firmino (back) ahead of Sunday's visit of Southampton (4:15pm).

 

The summer signings, who cost a combined £61.5m, came off the bench during the 1-1 draw with Rubin Kazan last night to make their first appearances since September.

Their return to match fitness means Klopp is now able to deploy two central strikers, having only had Divock Origi available before.

And Klopp, who seen his side draw twice since taking charge at Anfield earlier this month, admits Benteke and Firmino are both in contention against Southampton.

 

Reds striker Daniel Sturridge has missed both of Klopp's first two games and is set for another scan on a knee injury.

He said: "Christian and Roberto had two training sessions with the team and usually that is too early to bring them into a situation where you need them, but they did well.

"They were not at the best level they can play, but they did well. Now we are a step further with them.

 

Jurgen Klopp open to starting with two up front

"Christian was unlucky when he hit the post and Roberto got better and better in the game – the first two situations were not so good, but then he was in.

"They are two new options – very important options – for Sunday."

When asked if he's planning on starting with two strikers in the coming weeks, the German added: “Of course, it is an option.”