SAINTS manager Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed Romeo Lavia will still be out with injury for “a few more weeks” as he progresses his recovery onto the pitch.

The 18-year-old midfielder has been sidelined with a muscle injury since scoring in the victory over Chelsea towards the end of August.

The midfield has looked less balanced without the young Belgian, and Hasenhuttl will want him back reporting for duty as soon as possible.

Lavia, who was subject to a £50million bid on deadline day from Chelsea, is on grass and progressing towards being available, but the Austrian boss admitted it will not be just yet.

“For the long-term injuries we still have to wait, Romeo will take a few more weeks and Tino (Livramento) maybe next year,” he said.

“But they are both on the pitch, doing their jobs but when somebody is on the pitch it doesn’t mean they are able to train with the team.

“There is a big difference running in straight lines and playing football. So that is that for those two guys, but everyone else we had a good time in the international break.

Elaborating on Lavia’s recovery, Hasenhuttl added: “We knew about the grade of the injury - it was clear relatively soon that it will take a long time to be out.

“And yeah, it's not easy for him because it's the first very frustrating injury for him. And also not easy for us but this is how football sometimes works and you have to accept it and use the time for coming back even stronger - physically and mentally.”

Tino Livramento is out with an ACL injury but was spotted today in individual sessions, working on running and touches of the ball with two coaches.

Saints welcome Everton to St Mary’s in the Premier League return on Saturday, October 1 (3PM), and have everybody fit and available with the exception of Lavia and Livramento.

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