Southampton suffer late selection blow as three players ruled out of Newcastle United clash

Southampton are set to be without Moussa Djenepo against Newcastle United due to the birth of his first child. The winger is currently in Paris with his wife and is unlikely to return before today’s clash at St Mary’s.

The 24-year-old, who recently signed a new contract with the Saints, has made 10 appearances this season, however hasn’t started a game since mid-September.

“First, I need to see his baby because at the moment he’s in Paris with his wife,” said Hasenhuttl during his pre-match press conference. “I don’t think it’s happened just yet so he will not be a part of the team on the weekend.

“When he comes back and he’s a happy father, hopefully, he’ll have new energy. I know it does something to you when you become a father for the first time. Hopefully, he puts everything on the pitch and performs like he always has done for this club.”

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is already without Kyle Walker-Peters (thigh) and Tino Livramento (knee), although he will be boosted by the return of Armel Bella-Kotchap and Romeo Lavia.

“It’s gone from low to no. We have one week left and he is not training with us so I don’t think so,” Hasenhuttl said when asked if Walker-Peters would return before the World Cup break.

On Lavia, Hasenhuttl added: “In contention, yes. But we had this week where he had a problem with his knees. This happens often when you’re long out. Yesterday he was not training but I think it is quite likely he will be in the squad on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle are still without Alexander Isak, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett, while Joelinton is serving a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign.