SOFIANE Boufal remains a doubt for Saints’ trip to Newcastle United – but Stuart Armstrong could soon be available again.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed that the Moroccan is still struggling with the toe injury that prevented him from playing a part in the win against Norwich City.

He said: “Boufal’s toe is still a problem with him not training. The last game he was on the bench but there was no reason to bring him in so I decided to give him the rest.

“Tomorrow he will train for the first time. I must look how he is and we must pay attention because such an injury can take a long time if you’re not careful.”

Boufal is not Saints’ only injury concern, but Hasenhuttl may yet have the option to field an unchanged team.

"We have a few issues with the high workload the players did with a lot of sprinting,” he continued.

"I think for the weekend these players will all be able to play and it’s on me to decide if I go again with the team that invested a lot two times or if I put a few fresh players in.

“I think the subs in the last games also did a very good job and we were getting better when we were changing players.

“In the end we need to decide who is really an option for me.”

Armstrong is close to recovering from a hamstring injury and while he will not be available on Sunday, he may be ready next weekend. Hasenhuttl added:

“It’s good that Stuie is back on the pitch, it’s just running, but maybe he is an option for West Ham.”