Hassan Kachloul fears a knee injury may deny him the chance to relive one of the most emotional games of his life.

When Saints made the short trip to Wimbledon for the final away fixture of last season, they took more than 10,000 fans to Selhurst Park.

Many donned fezes and blew kazoos in a fancy dress tribute to the Moroccan who would dearly love to help Saints bid to repeat the 2-0 win which put them within touching distance of safety.

But he is struggling to make it after taking a kick on the left knee which is badly swollen and forced him to sit out training yesterday.

He said: "I got a kick on it during the first half but I did not notice it too much because the game was going on. It felt bad at half-time so I put some ice on it and carried on.

"But it was badly swollen on Sunday and still painful yesterday so we have to see how it goes before Saturday. At least it is a kick not a twist or a strain.

"I have very good memories of Wimbledon. It was a very special day for everyone in the team but for me in particular because all the fans dressed up in a tribute for me. It was strange but nice.

"I would love us to get the same result but I don't think there will be quite so many fezes around the ground! And it will be a lot harder this time.

"Last season Wimbledon had nothing to play for because they were already safe but this time it is a six-pointer for them too. They need the points just as much as we do."

Kachloul has been in top form again this season to show why Liverpool are rumoured to be ready to offer £4 million for him.

Manager Dave Jones says no bid has been received as yet but sources on Merseyside insist Liverpool are keen on the Moroccan and may soon firm up that interest in writing.

Their manager Gerard Houllier is known to be an admirer of Kachloul who has played most of his professional career in the Liverpool manager's native France.

There were even rumours going round The Dell before Saturday's game that Kachloul would not play against the Merseysiders.

He not only played but almost won the match with two headers which flashed inches wide in the dying minutes.

Kachloul said: "The first was a bit behind me but I should have scored the second. I really thought it was going in.

"I was very disappointed because it would have won us the match although a draw was probably a fair result overall. But it shows how far we have progressed that we are disappointed only to draw with Liverpool."

Matthew Le Tissier missed training yesterday but his absence was pre-arranged for family reasons and nothing to do with his reaction to being substituted against Liverpool.

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