CLAUDE Puel declared that Dusan Tadic will be fit for Saints’ match against Liverpool on Saturday, despite the Serbian sustaining a nasty nose injury while on international duty.

Puel also revealed that Cedric Soares, James Ward-Prowse, Ryan Bertrand and Shane Long will need to be assessed before being passed fit to play against the Premier League leaders.

In further team news, goalkeeper Fraser Forster has recovered after withdrawing from the England squad with a “slight” injury last week, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who pulled out the Denmark team with a knock, has also been declared ready for action.

The game comes too soon, though, for sidelined pair Matt Targett and Alex McCarthy.

Playmaker Tadic, who has created the most chances of any player in the Premier League this season without assisting, took a boot to the face from Neil Taylor in Serbia’s 1-1 draw with Wales last Saturday in Cardiff.

The 27-year-old played on, but may now have to wear a protective mask against Liverpool.

“Normally he will be available for this game,” said Puel. “He spoke to the doctor and normally it’s okay for him [to play].”

Cedric has been out since early October after picking up an injury against Leicester, while Bertrand picked up a minor problem while on duty with England, which meant he missed Three Lions training and their match with Spain.

“We will see this for the last training session before the game,” Puel said. “Normally I think all the players are okay. I hope there are no surprises.

“Cedric has come back into training and Bertrand trained yesterday along with Long. Normally they are okay.

“All this is good news, but I don’t know if they have a good physical level to be involved in the game against Liverpool. We will see this tomorrow afternoon.”

Puel was asked in his pre-Liverpool press conference about a potential takeover by Chinese investors.

Lander Sports Development, who have been in talks with Saints, have requested a continuation of the suspension of trading in their shares while they complete an investment in the sports sector, according to respected finance news organisation Bloomberg.

But the French boss stated that now is not the time to talk about potential new owners.

“I have no information,” he said. “It’s important to respect the owner. At the right moment or when something is official it will be important to discuss.

“For me at the moment it’s not actual and not ready. It’s important for me and my players to stay concentrated.

“At the moment Liverpool is most important. For the future I always give my confidence with the chairman and the directors to stay and keep a good family club.”