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Southampton: Key men for Saints and Sheffield United receive fitness boosts ahead of the weekend

By Marc Walker

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Moussa Djenepo of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton FC at American Express Community Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Moussa Djenepo of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton FC at American Express Community Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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Southampton travel to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this weekend as the Premier League gets back underway.

Respective managers Chris Wilder and Ralph Hasenhuttl have given positive updates ahead of the game with key players from both teams set tot return after injury.

Saints will definitely be without Nathan Redmond for the trip to Yorkshire as he continues his recovery from an ankle complaint.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Ralph Hasenhuttl said:

“Everybody is back from their international games without injuries, so that’s good news. The bad news is that Nathan is still not available,m but he is making progress.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Nathan Redmond of Southampton is helped off the pitch after picking up an injury during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage on August 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Nathan Redmond of Southampton is helped off the pitch after picking up an injury during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage on August 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Defender Kevin Danso will also be missing for Saints as he serves a one-match ban for his red card last time out against Manchester United.

However, positive news came from Hasenhuttl when he confirmed that Ryan Bertrand, Michael Obafemi and Moussa Djenepo all have a chance to return to the matchday squad for Saturday.

All three could potentially provide vital options if they are to prove their fitness.

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Bertrand is the first-choice Left-back and Kevin Danso had to fill in there in the last league game, whilst youth academy product Jake Vokins remains another option.

Djenepo was a real bright spark in Saints’ first win of the 2019/20 season away at Brighton and scored the all important first goal of the game with a stunning strike just seconds after coming on.

With Obafemi back too, Hasenhuttl would have extra pace and another player to throw on from the bench if Che Adams and Danny Ings aren’t firing on the day.

Sheffield United could have a fully fit squad if three players prove their fitness in time for their meeting with Saints.

Strikers Callum Robinson and David McGoldrick were away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland and picked up knocks, but manager Chris Wilder confirmed that both are close to being involved for his side on Saturday.

John Fleck’s situation is a little less clear, but the Sheffield Star confirm that he could also be an option for selection.

Next. Sheff Utd vs Saints: Preview and Predictions. dark

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