Ralph Hasenhuttl has given his update on injuries ahead of the visit of Champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Saints have two main worries before the game against City, the first is Michael Obafemi who picked up a knock in training that meant he was unable to play against West Ham and the second is Mario Lemina who is still not fully recovered from his stomach issue.

Hasenhuttl reported.

"Michael Obafemi's injury was picked up in training and is a real pity, because I need him. His speed can always make a difference,"

"That's what I expect from Shane Long also, so hopefully that'll come."

"You saw yesterday that Mario Lemina was not 100%, he has problems with his stomach. It's a possibility to rotate, and bring in a few more younger players, so I'll have a look at that.

But the good news is that Pierre Emile Hojbjerg is available again after serving his one match ban against the Hammers.

"Pierre is a very intelligent player, and he is very important for me. He reads the game very well and we need that."

Although both Lemina and Obafemi are important players for the squad, Hasenhuttl knows that he has those that can replace them, Hojbjerg is arguably the fans favourite for player of the year so far, we missed him on Thursday against West Ham and he would be the obvious choice to replace Lemina on Sunday.

Photo: Action Images

underweststand added 11:02 - Dec 29 You got most of the points there right off, Nick. We shouldn't be in the position of worrying about the fitness of an 18 year old when we have four infinitely more experienced players on the books - but there we are. Danny Ings is doing a great job considering he's not 100% fit either. I'm sorry fans, but IMHO both Lemina and Gabbiadini would be better off playing their football elsewhere, and sooner rather than later Ralph will start to look closer at the "best before date" on Charlie and Shane's contracts. I don't expect any of the Academy lads to become "permanent fixtures" this season although it's good to see them getting some game time., but it won't surprsie me to see half-a dozen names disappear (sold or loaned) before Feb. 1st .

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KriSaint added 11:33 - Dec 29 I am sure that the following players will not be used because they are for sale in January to create money for new players, and they will not be used to avoid them getting injured just before transaction talks begin. 1. Hoedt. (Ok, sell him). 2. Gabbiadini (Ok, sell him). 3. Davis (Keep him ´till summer, I hope.) 4. Cedric (Keep him ´ till summer, I hope)
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Jesus_02 added 11:37 - Dec 29 Good to he hear that Lamina was playing with a stomach issue. I though that maybe he had a few too many mince pies. He is a quality player, that needs to sort his consistency out. He should be our best, but he is not showing that at the moment.
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KriSaint added 13:11 - Dec 29 I have to agree with the criticism of Lemina. Being one of our "power players" he looked in poor shape vs WH. I also find it reasonable to critisize Valery. He is an old fashioned RB and does not have premiership quality. He offers nothing going forward... He was very much involved in both goals.
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SAINTSNIL added 14:21 - Dec 29 Surprised to hear Lemina has Stomach problems! Pretty unlucky for a man with no guts. 🙁
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