RALPH Hasenhuttl hinted that Moussa Djenepo could return to the bench for Saturday’s game with Manchester City.

The £14m summer signing has been absent with a hip injury following his winner against Sheffield United back in September.

But Hasenhuttl revealed both Djenepo and Cedric are edging closer to making their comebacks, with Sofiane Boufal and Nathan Redmond both recovering from Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat.

Saints’ boss said: “They [Djenepo and Cedric] trained today for the first time with the team which is positive.

“Moussa was very, very positive. He was immediately laughing. He has such a positive nature, it’s fantastic.

“I am happy those two are back and it’s a bit too early for the weekend. It was a light session but for the Everton game, it is an option.

“Sofiane had a bit of a problem with his knee and Reddie had a tackle in the session which he felt on his knee, but they are both ok.

“Maybe two players back for the bench as an option.”

Saints’ game against City on Saturday will be the second time they’ve played at the Etihad this week due to Tuesday’s Carabao Cup 3-1 defeat.

A double from Sergio Aguero and a header from Nicolas Otamendi set Pep Guardiola’s side on their way before Jack Stephens pulled a goal back with 15 minutes remaining.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy returned to the starting XI for the trip and pulled off a string of good saves to keep the scores down.

McCarthy’s playing time this season has been restricted to the Carabao Cup, despite calls for the former Reading shot-stopper to play in the Premier League.

However, Hasenhuttl remained coy as to whether he would keep Angus Gunn out of the firing line having conceded 25 goals this season – including nine against Leicester.

“It was not an easy evening for Angus against Leicester and Alex made a good job on Tuesday evening against Man City,” explained the Austrian.

“He made a few good saves and his body language made for a good performance. I haven’t decided what I want to do.”