Team News: Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho return to Liverpool lineup for Leicester City clash

Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho have returned to the starting lineup for Tuesday's Premier League battle with Leicester City.

The duo were affected by the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, with Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara also being forced to self-isolate.

However, having been pictured back in training on Christmas Eve, Van Dijk and Fabinho have made immediate returns to the first XI for the clash at the King Power Stadium.

Thiago finished his isolation period a little later and has also been dealing with muscle soreness, so Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is given the nod in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson, with Naby Keita overlooked.

Kostas Tsimikas deputises as expected for the suspended Andy Robertson, while Diogo Jota returns to the tip of the attack ahead of Roberto Firmino.

With Premier League clubs managing to keep hold of their Africa Cup of Nations players for a little while longer, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both feature in the final third.

Liverpool starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Jota, Mane