Ryan Bertrand is unlikely to make his return to the Saints team against Crystal Palace.
The defender has been out of action since November after undergoing a minor back operation that was supposed to keep him sidelined for 12-14 days.
And Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl stated that although he has returned to training, Bertrand still isn’t match fit.
Hasenhuttl said: “Ryan Bertrand trained the whole two weeks without problems and looks good.
“After this long break he had it will take time to get 100 per cent in game fitness.
“If he trains like he did the last two weeks I think it’s only a question about one or two weeks and he can maybe be an option.”
Despite Bertrand’s absence, Saints have been boosted by Matt Targett’s return to fitness.
The left back limped off during the 2-1 win against Everton with a knee injury but has been involved in training ahead of Wednesday’s tie with Crystal Palace.
It will prove to be a timely return for Hasenhuttl given the fact that Saints allowed Cedric to join Inter Milan on loan, which could have left them short at the back.
“He started on the Saturday back training with the squad without problems,” Hassenhuttl continued.
“We were very happy the knee injury was not as bad as we thought at the beginning. It was important for him and for us that he could manage every training session since then.”
Mario Lemina is another player unlikely to play against Palace as he continues his recovery from a stomach injury.
The midfielder hasn’t played since the December defeat to Manchester City and Hasenhuttl revealed the reason why he is unable to play.
Saints’ boss added: “He is still not in the squad training because he has still problems with his stomach and it’s only about shooting.
“Everything he can do but if he shoots he has problems, so it doesn’t make any sense if he not 100 per cent to train with the group.”
Hasenhuttl went on to reveal: “Charlie Austin was not on the pitch today. He has a swollen ankle because he got a kick. It’s not that big a problem and he can maybe train tomorrow.
“Kayne Ramsay was out, he was a little bit ill so no risk. Michael Obafemi makes good steps forward, I think we can rise his training sessions and the intensity and that looks good.
“He has no problems at all. I don’t know how long it will take but I hope he will come back soon.”
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