RALPH Hasenhuttl gave a positive recovery update on injured Romeo Lavia, revealing the young midfielder will be back working with the team next week.
Saints have lost all four Premier League games since the 18-year-old scored and was injured in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at St Mary’s.
The former Manchester City youngster started each of the first five games of the season and helped Hasenhuttl’s side to pick up seven points.
Lavia was ruled out for at least six weeks with the muscle injury but is expected to return to full team training next week.
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However, Hasenhuttl also revealed Moussa Djenepo will miss out this weekend through illness – while Tino Livramento continues his recovery.
"We have only Moussa out with illness,” the Austrian said, speaking ahead of Saints hosting West Ham United in matchday 10 on Sunday.
“He was not training all week and the rest of the team, apart from Romeo, who will maybe start with the team next week and Tino who is still out, the rest are all fit."
Saints have, including an EFL Cup match versus Sheffield Wednesday in November, seven fixtures before an extended break due to the Qatar World Cup.
Lavia will miss at least the clashes with West Ham and AFC Bournemouth, which takes place next Wednesday, and likely Arsenal at home next weekend.
However, he could yet target a Premier League return either at Selhurst Park or going into the month of November.
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