Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has welcomed the return of striker Luis Suarez from his 10-match ban.

The Uruguay international will be available for selection for the Reds' League Cup third-round tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

"I think that's a positive from today; the fact that he is back now, the ban has finished and he's available from next week," Rodgers told reporters after his side's 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

"But I can't underestimate how well the players have done. It's worth mentioning that this is our first defeat since March, where we lost against Southampton. So we've had two poor performances against them and it's cost us.

"In that period the players have been brilliant. Today was one of those days when we were right off it. Sometimes in these games it's players like him (Suarez), who can make the difference. It's going to be great to have him back."

Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League table with 10 points from five matches.