SAINTS have been back in training ahead of the visit to Watford in the Premier League tomorrow, on Saturday, October 30.

The club have uploaded a gallery of photos showing the stars in preparation at Staplewood Training Complex, however there is a notable omission among those present.

Stuart Armstrong, who missed seven games for Saints with a calf injury before making his return this month, cannot be seen in any of the 43 snaps.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that a couple of players did take knocks and muscle strains during the midweek EFL Cup contest at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

Read more

He said: “On Tuesday we had one or two players who took knocks but not that hard.

Daily Echo: Stuart Armstrong made his first start of the campaign at Chelsea on Tuesday (Pic: PA)Stuart Armstrong made his first start of the campaign at Chelsea on Tuesday (Pic: PA)

“We have a good selection to pick from to get the right team, this is what we need to have."

Scottish international Armstrong started the round of 16 game and played over 70 minutes before he was subbed, his first start of the 2021-22 season following two appearances from the bench against Leeds United and Burnley.

Hasenhuttl didn’t mention an injury to the 29-year-old midfielder during his pre-match press conference specifically, but the fact he is not present in the pictures and his recent muscle concern could point to him being one of those knocked.

It is likely that he would still be available for selection at Watford on Saturday, but would instead be forced to wait for his first Premier League start of the campaign and be monitored from the bench again.

Armando Broja has already been ruled out for definite by Ralph Hasenhuttl after he picked up an ankle injury last weekend, while Moi Elyounoussi should be okay but underwent surgery for a hand ligaments concern on Monday.

View the full training gallery with no Stuart Armstrong here