SAINTS manager Claude Puel admits Manolo Gabbiadini is struggling to be fit for Crystal Palace's visit on Wednesday night.

The club’s record signing was sorely missed in the goalless draw against AFC Bournemouth, following the groin strain he suffered in Saints’ last match at Spurs two weeks ago.

Saints scored 11 goals in Gabbiadini’s first four appearances, with the Italian netting six of them after his £14.6m move from Napoli.

But Gabbiadini had to be content with watching Saints’ first home match since his EFL Cup final heroics from an executive box in the Itchen Stand on Saturday

Puel hopes he will be available for next Saturday’s trip to West Brom.

When asked if Gabbiadini is likely to be fit for Palace’s visit, he said: “Manolo for the next game, it’s still difficult.”

In Gabbiadini’s absence, Jay Rodriguez was recalled for his first start since Saints’ previous home game, the 3-1 defeat against West Ham on February 4.

“It was an opportunity to see other players and for [substitutes] Shane Long and Sofiane Boufal to show their quality and have game time,” said Puel.

Rodriguez had Saints' best effort on target, a powerful half-volley tipped away by a flying Artur Borouc at the end of the first half.

But otherwise Saints hardly threatened the former Saints goalkeeper.

Puel was disappointed with a point but acknowledged it was a fair result, given Bournemouth’s impressive second-half showing.

He continued: “It’s a little disappointment in the end just to take one point at home but I think this draw is a fair result.

“We could have lost but some players were tired after the international games. With the tiredness of the players it’s normal to have difficulties to finish.

“It’s always difficult to play after an international break. It’s not an excuse but we have played two games in a month and it was difficult to keep the rhythm and intensity.

“It was a good start to the game, a good first half. We lost a little intensity after a fantastic opportunity at the end of the first half with very good action.

“We tried in the second half to come back but it was difficult for us at the end.”

Bournemouth were unfortunate not to win. Harry Arter’s missed penalty, a carbon copy of namesake Kane’s skier from the same spot in Spurs’ 4-1 win in December, was one of several late Cherries chances.

Adam Smith struck a post and a diving Fraser Forster did well to keep out Arter’s blistering effort to atone.

“They had good quality and good organisation,” added Puel. “It’s a fair result this draw, and we must accept this.

“I’m pleased with the attitude of the players because they tried to play good football. They showed good persistence.

“We needed to be more clinical with our opportunities but it’s a good draw, a fair result.”

Saints are now preparing for Wednesday’s visit from a Crystal Palace side on a high after their stunning fourth successive win, 2-1 at Chelsea.

Then it is hoped Gabbiadini will be fit for what would be his fifth successive Saints appearance away from St Mary’s, at West Brom on Saturday.

“We now play three games this week and that’s a good thing, I think,” added Puel. “We can focus on a good recovery for the next game at home against Crystal Palace.”