RALPH Hasenhuttl revealed that the only thing holding Moussa Djenepo back form making his return is the fact he can’t shoot.

The winger has been out with a hip problem since netting his winner against Sheffield United last month.

And with Djenepo’s scheduled return still up in the air, Hasenhuttl explained the reason behind the Mali international’s absence.

Hasenhuttl said: “Moussa is very difficult to say when he can play again.

“It’s a high risk at the moment.

“When you have an injury on a muscle you only end when you shoot the ball it’s ok when you don’t shoot.

“When do you take the risk is the big question?

“He can do everything with running, passing the ball maybe inside or sprinting inside but when he shoots the ball we must pay attention because the tendon injury is something that can get worse.

“We are looking at the scans and looking on the pictures and when we see it is the moment we can try it then we do it, but we must pay attention.”

Djenepo’s injury came as a huge blow for Saints after he started the campaign in scintillating form.

His two goals for the club were both winners against Brighton and Sheffield United, with them also being fantastic solo efforts.

Even though Nathan Redmond has returned in time to fill the void left by Djenepo, Hassenhuttl admitted he can’t wait to have the £14m summer signing fit again.
“I would like him back as soon as possible and maybe after the international break it is a chance to train with the team,” continued Saints’ boss.

“It’s not easy for him also because he doesn’t feel anything and the thing he can’t do it shooting.”

Another player set to miss this weekend’s match against Chelsea is defender Cedric.

The right-back injured his calf during the warm-up at White Hart Lane last Saturday which meant he was unable to play in the 2-1 defeat.

Although Hasenhuttl initially said he wasn’t sure why the Portuguese international ruled himself out of the Spurs match, the Austrian has now explained the situation Cedric finds himself in.

Hasenhuttl added: “No [he won’t be playing against Chelsea on Sunday].

“He really tried to play against Tottenham which maybe wasn’t the best idea, but he really wanted to help the team.

“He was in good shape and was looking to back to international football, so he tried to do it against Tottenham.

“But after the warm-up, the problems he had are too big now and I think it will take until the Wolverhampton game for him to play again.”