Southampton have a series of injury doubts for Newcastle

Southampton’s towering centre-back Jannik Vestergaard is a fitness doubt for Saints’ match away at Newcastle this weekend.

In fact, he’s just one of a few players who is giving Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl a headache.

Alex McCarthy, Matt Targett and Charlie Austin are among the other players struggling through training sessions this week according to the Austrian.

“A few small injuries,” said Hasenhuttl. [H/T Daily Echo]

“Jannik Vestergaard has a little bit of a problem and didn’t train the last two days but today maybe he steps back in team training.

“Like in the last weeks also after intense games he had problems and needed longer for recovery, it’s a long season for a huge body and he’s struggling but we look to see if it is possible.

“Alex McCarthy problems after his training sessions and Matt Targett.

“Chas [Charlie Austin] has a bit of a problem with his shoulder but we have a look.”

However, Hasenhuttl seems to be confident Mario Lemina and Yan Valery could be fit enough to feature on Saturday if needed.

He also said youngster Michael Obafemi, whose knee injury will keep him out for the season, is showing early signs of improvement.

“Yan Valery is ok,” Hasenhuttl added.

“Michael Obafemi is not training with the group. He is individual training sessions and Mario Lemina made a big step forward.

“He trained with the team and looks much better now.

“That’s good for him and good for us that we know we have an intense week with three games in a week so it will be nice if we have one more option.

“I spoke to say I am sure he will play more games this season.

“I think the chances are big because now he’s training with the team and so maybe this injury time comes to an end.”