Danny Ings is back in contention to start against Everton.

Saints’ top scorer has been missing since the goalless draw against Chelsea on January 2 with a hamstring issue but has returned to training and looks set to return to the team for Saturday’s game at St Mary’s.

Saints need to freshen things up after a gruelling 90 minutes at Leicester and 120 minutes against Derby.

They are boosted by the return from suspension of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Charlie Austin and Yan Valery.

However, Michael Obafemi, Mario Lemina and Ryan Bertrand are unlikely to be risked as they are still struggling with injuries.

Of Ings, who has eight goals for Saints this season, Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “It looks good I think.

“He trained two times on Tuesday and Wednesday, two tough sessions, and it looks good. He doesn’t have any problems.

“It looks good he is an option for Saturday.”

He added: “Michael Obafemi is still not in training.

“A few guys are training but still have pain so we have to pay attention not to push them to the limits.

“Lemina still has problems with his stomach and Ryan Bertrand I wanted to play yesterday but it is denied because he still has pain.

“Sam Gallagher made a good game and showed he can be an option in front.

“The suspended players Pierre, Chaz Austin and Yan Valery can play on Saturday and that’s a good thing because we need fresh players because 120 minutes was tough.

“Not every position I can make a change because the squad is not so big with the injuries we have so we have a look.

“It depends on how physically strong the players are. I have to have a good eye on the guys to see how they feel and see how fresh they are.”