Southampton vs Everton: Team news updates on Djenepo, Cedric, Delph and Gomes

Southampton look to be close to full strength for their Premier League meeting with Everton tomorrow afternoon.

Moussa Djenepo is likely to be in contention for a start after appearing from the bench against Manchester City last week, whilst Cedric looks certain to return to the squad at St Mary’s tomorrow too.

In contrast, their opponents in Everton have been dealt blows with injuries to Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes in the past week.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game, Ralph Hasenhuttl said:

"“So far, so good. Moussa (Djenepo) is back and Cédric is back and they can train with the team as normal. We have all the players on board and I have all the options. Ryan Bertrand is still suspended and the rest are still fit.”"

Djenepo and Cedric returning for Saints does give some selection conundrums for Hasenhuttl to solve.

The former surely has to start given his energy and creativity in attack, but it may be a closer call between starting Yan Valery and Cedric.

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

Cedric may be more reliable defensively given his experience, but Valery is both taller and provides more thrust when attacking – perhaps more desirable as Saints look for their first home win of the campaign.

One player who won’t be featuring is the club’s only senior left-back, Ryan Bertrand.

He will be serving the third game of his three-match ban that he picked up for his sending off in the 9-0 loss to Leicester last time Saints played at home.

This could see Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg continue to play as a makeshift full-back, or Hasenhuttl may choose to use one of Cedric or Valery on the opposite side of defence.

Ahead of their trip to St Mary’s, Everton’s boss Marco Silva confirmed that Fabian Delph is a major doubt for the game in his pre-match conference.

He did have positive news on Andre Gomes though after the Portuguese midfielder’s terrible injury against Spurs last Sunday.

Amazingly, Silva confirmed that Silva has a chance to play again this season if his rehab goes to plan – and he will have the support of many football fans as he recovers.

Former Saints man Morgan Schneiderlin could return this weekend though and fill the gaps left by both Delph and Gomes.