STUART Armstrong is still struggling to overcome a calf problem, which kept him out of last night's Carabao Cup win at Newport County.

The Scotland international has not featured for Saints since pre-season.

He was part of the matchday squad for the Premier League opener at Everton on August 14, but did not make it off the bench.

Hasenhuttl has since revealed a calf problem has been hampering the 29-year-old, which kept him out of contention for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United and the 8-0 hammering of Newport County last night.

And it seems unlikely Armstrong will return for Saturday's long trip to Newcastle.

Asked how far away Armstrong was from returning to the squad, boss Ralph Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "He is still not back on the pitch with the team, so it will take a little bit I think."

Armstrong has been named in Scotland's squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Denmark, Moldova and Austria.