Jurgen Klopp says there is "a chance" Thiago Alcantara will start for Liverpool against Southampton.
The star midfielder was included in the Reds' matchday squad against Newcastle for the first time since October and came on from the substitute bench with 16 minutes to go.
He displayed a masterful quality with the ball at his feet and Klopp called his performance "pretty special" as the Spain international had only taken part in two training sessions with the team ahead of the trip to St James' Park.
The manager explained that in one of the sessions before the stalemate with the Magpies, Thiago was used as "a joker" so only really had one proper time to train ahead of the match.
And now he is in contention to come in from the start at St Mary's Stadium on Monday night.
"Unfortunately, I haven't known him for long - only a few months now," Klopp said when asked if Thiago was likely to be included in Liverpool's starting XI against Ralph Hasenhuttl's men.
"But, I would like to answer the question, so the fact he could play 20 minutes [against Newcastle] was pretty special.
*Would you start Thiago at Southampton? Let us know in the comment section below
"He only had two sessions with the team, that's it.
"One of the sessions he was 'a joker' - so I'm not sure you can count that really.
"This game gave us an opportunity to introduce him because it was mainly about creating and that's obviously his best skill.
"We will see but there's a chance.
"He played 20 so there's a chance, we will see if he has no muscle soreness or anything like that.
"He enjoyed the game, the few minutes.
"I like speaking about Thiago but the boys who have done the job so far have done exceptionally well, it's not like we can't survive if he doesn't start the next game.
"But it's very good that he's now fit and is in contention - I like that a lot."
