SAINTS will still be unable to call upon Mohammed Salisu or Will Smallbone this week.

Salisu is yet to make his Saints debut since arriving from Real Valladolid in the summer, as he continues to build up his fitness.

Smallbone has played twice for Saints this season, but not since September as he battles back from a quad injury.

Both are back in training with the group, but asked if either are ready to return to the squad to take on Newcastle United on Friday (8pm), boss Ralph Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "They are further in their development, but still not available for Friday."

Saints are currently struggling with a depleted squad for the clash with the Magpies.

As well as Salisu and Smallbone, Danny Ings is definitely ruled out with a knee problem, while Ibrahima Diallo (leg), Jan Bednarek (head) and Ryan Bertrand (hamstring) are all serious doubts to feature.

Another player who is not expected to take to the field against Newcastle is left-back Jake Vokins.

The 20-year-old has not yet featured for the first team this season, but has been named on the bench in four of Saints' eight fixtures.

"He has pain on his left knee and it causes him problems when he shoots or passes the ball," explained Hasenhuttl.

"We’ll have a look. He will try this week also, but still hasn’t trained for one-and-a-half weeks now so it would be difficult for the weekend I think."