Southampton vs Bournemouth: Hasenhuttl confirms potential return of key man

Both Southampton and Bournemouth head into their meeting at St Mary’s on Friday in good positions in the Premier League table.

They sit just one place apart in 10th and 9th respectively and looks set to have strong squads to call upon tomorrow evening.

Positive news could come for Saints with the return of Nathan Redmond, but it appears that last weekend’s hero Moussa Djenepo is out through injury.

In his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, Ralph Hasenhuttl said:

"“Nathan could train this week with the team. This is a good message how far he us and if he really can play tomorrow, I haven’t decided so far. It’s good that he could play because Moussa is out for tomorrow and cannot play. After a few sessions this week, he felt a little bit more in his muscles so we don’t want to take this risk and we will keep him out tomorrow.”"

Saints are in strong form going into this game and have a settled side in many positions. However, a few selection issues still remain though.

Ryan Bertrand was left out of the team last weekend despite being the only recognised left-back in the squad, Cedric Soares and Yan Valery continue to battle it out for a starting role at right-back and strikers Che Adams and Danny Ings could be fielded together.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

The impact of Moussa Djenepo and Sofiane Boufal has also provided superb support for Nathan Redmond, but it is perhaps unrealistic to get all three in the same team at one time.

One thing that these conundrums has provided Ralph Hasenhuttl is competition and a hunger from every player to get themselves in line for a leading role.

For Bournemouth, Eddie Howe has been boosted this week by the return of defenders Simon Francis and Lloyd Kelly to playing for the club’s Under-23s side.

Whilst they may not return to the senior side this Friday, it gives Howe options for upcoming games after the Saints clash.

Last Sunday saw the return of midfielder Lewis Cook as the Cherries beat Everton comfortably by 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium.

The England youth international will be a player that Saints will have to watch closely given his excellent passing ability and busy attitude in central areas.