‘We obviously don't live in an ideal world’ – Jurgen Klopp won’t rest Wembley hero Caoimhín Kelleher for FA Cup tie

Jurgen Klopp will resist the temptation to rest Liverpool’s League Cup final hero Caoimhín Kelleher for Wednesday night’s FA Cup tie against Southampton as he wants his top players available.

Kelleher has played in the last three games for the Reds, in place of the injured Alisson.

And with the Brazil international set to be out for a number of weeks, Kelleher faces the prospect of a busy spell, with four games in four competitions in the space of just 12 days.

Southampton are almost certain to rest Ireland keeper Gavin Bazunu for their Anfield test, as he has made just one FA Cup appearance in his two seasons with the Saints and has been rested for all three cup ties this term, so a head-to-head between the rivals for the Ireland No. 1 slot is unlikely to happen.

Bazunu had been under fire after a run of three defeats in four games for his side, though boss Russell Martin said the Dubliner still had his backing.

Given their busy schedule, Klopp would like the option of giving a rest to some players for the FA Cup test after an energy-sapping Wembley outing on Sunday but that’s not an option.

“In an ideal world you would think about these things, but we obviously don’t live in an ideal world,” Klopp said when asked if he planned to give the likes of Kelleher and Conor Bradley a night off tonight.

“I know I ask a lot but it’s a tricky time, I am pretty positive and we want to keep doing that but we need our people for that, there is no other chance.

“Yesterday (Monday) was a rest day and an appreciation day for winning the League Cup, only the very young boys trained, the rest all recovered.

“What an atmosphere can do, we have realised now a few times, that it would be helpful if we can create something really special on Wednesday night as well,” Klopp added.

Meanwhile, Brighton will rest Evan Ferguson for their FA Cup tie against Wolves as they are unwilling to risk him with an ankle injury which saw him limp out of last week’s draw with Everton, but boss Roberto De Zerbi hopes to have Ferguson available for Premier League duty against Fulham next weekend.

Brighton, who like Liverpool, have games in European competition on the way, are wary of putting too much pressure on Ferguson who is hoping to end his 16-game goal drought.

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