Stephens waiting to replace van Dijk

Southampton head coach Claude Puel is confident youngster Jack Stephens can fill in for Virgil van Dijk if the Dutchman is unable to shake off an ankle injury ahead of tonight’s EFL League Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

The England Under-21 international replaced van Dijk during the second half of their 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday, which was only the centre-back’s sixth appearance for Saints in all competitions.

Puel’s side travel to Merseyside looking to preserve their 1-0 lead from the first leg.

For much of the season, Puel has stuck with his rotational policy, but the possibility of missing a key player like van Dijk does not worry him as he believes the occasion will not concern Stephens, despite his lack of experience.

Puel said: “If he has to play this game, I think he will play with good spirit and he’s a good player.

“He is an England Under-21 international and he knows about these important games. He has the quality and I have full confidence with Jack. He’s a good defender, he’s intelligent, he can anticipate the action. Very good technically.”

Liverpool defender Joel Matip is set to make his return to the team tonight.

The centre-back has not been in the starting line-up since December 11 because of injury and uncertainty over his eligibility but is now fully available and played an hour for the Under-23s on Sunday.

Captain Jordan Henderson has been turning out with a heel problem, but he is expected to play.