Mane rested as Henderson returns to Liverpool bench for Brighton game

 Mane rested as Henderson returns to Liverpool bench for Brighton game

Sadio Mane has been afforded a rest for Liverpool's Premier League trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, and is joined on the bench by the returning Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool captain Henderson last played for the club in their 1-1 draw at Manchester City at the start of November, subsequently suffering a hamstring injury on international duty.

Henderson's return is a welcome boost for boss Jurgen Klopp, who is without a host of players across the pitch, including fellow midfielders Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara.

Mane's move to the bench is slightly more surprising but is likely a decision made with next week's Champions League clash with Ajax in mind – the 2-0 home defeat by Atalanta meaning the Reds are still yet to secure their place in the last 16.

Takumi Minamino gets his first Premier League start of the season in Mane's place, while youngsters Neco Williams and Nathaniel Phillips come into their depleted defence.

Former Red Adam Lallana is among the Brighton substitutes