Southampton will be missing three of their first-team players for Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa. Saints will be without Moussa Djenepo, Mohammed Salisu and Will Smallbone at Villa Park. On-loan Theo Walcott could return after he was forced to sit out their last match against Everton, being ineligible to feature against his parent club. And Ibrahima Diallo is in contention to make his first start, with now only the fine form of Oriol Romeu standing in his way.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said “The three are all back in team sessions so far but are not back fit to play, Sunday’s game has come a little too early, I think, but they are on a good way. He is available again and it is important that he steps into the team and learns very quick. Let’s have a look to see how much he can help us, I am positive that he will.”
