SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admits this week's international break is "not perfect" as he tries to prepare his side for the new Premier League season.

Many members of Saints' first-team squad are currently away from Staplewood and training with their countries, with six in line to feature in competitive UEFA Nations League action in the next few days.

Danny Ings and James Ward-Prowse have been recalled to the England squad, while Shane Long (Republic of Ireland), Jannik Vestergaard (Denmark), Jan Bednarek (Poland) and Stuart Armstrong (Scotland) are also away.

When and where will Saints' six internationals will be in action?

Games are due to take place between Thursday and next Tuesday, with players then returning to their clubs before the Premier League season begins on Saturday, September 12 when Saints head to Crystal Palace.

Discussing the timing of the international fixtures, Hasenhuttl told SaintsTV: "It's not perfect, absolutely not. Because it's the only time of the year you can definitely work with the team.

"But the good thing is we had the last season not so long ago so it is not so difficult I think and for everybody it's the same. We have a few international players so they are gone this week. It's not perfect but we must handle it."

Saints returned for pre-season training last month after a short break following the culmination of the prolonged 2019-20 season on July 26. They then played a friendly against Swansea City at St Mary's on Saturday, winning 7-1.

"So far we've had two good weeks at home, very, very concentrated on the topics we have to work on," said Hasenhuttl.

"Now we have a smaller group but also with a smaller group we have enough work to do and hopefully we are well prepared for the game (against Palace)."

Ings and Ward-Prowse will be looking to add to their one and two senior England caps respectively during the upcoming games against Iceland and Denmark, having been rewarded for their fine form at Saints last season.

"It is deserved," said Hasenhuttl when asked about their call-ups.

"I am happy for them and happy for the club. To have two internationals for England is amazing for Southampton Football Club.

"I wished them all the best. Hopefully they get a chance to play and come back healthy."