THE wait is set to drag on for Mohammed Salisu to make his Saints debut after the defender suffered another injury setback.

Fitness problems have blighted Salisu since he completed his £10.9million move from Real Valladolid in August.

The 21-year-old did not feature in a matchday squad for his new club until December and looked to be edging closer to his first Saints appearance, being named as an unused substitute for six consecutive matches.

However, that run ended on Monday night when the centre-back was not included in the squad to take on champions Liverpool.

Hasenhuttl named a youthful looking bench including teenager Kegs Chauke and young defenders Kayne Ramsay, Yan Valery and Jake Vokins.

Asked why both Salisu and striker Michael Obafemi were not among the options from the bench against the Reds, boss Ralph Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "Again, muscle injuries, both."

Moussa Djenepo was also withdrawn with what appeared to be a hamstring injury during the first half against Liverpool.

"Moussa looks not so good because we have a few muscle injuries now, which are not really good for us because the squad is getting smaller," said Hasenhuttl.

"We must have a look how bad it is."