Tim Sherwood reports that Mousa Dembele is close to making a comeback ahead of Sunday’s clash with Southampton.

The Belgian international midfielder has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury, but Tim is hopeful of welcoming him back into the fold for the visit of the Saints.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is back in the frame for Sunday’s game, while Tim confirmed that Younes Kaboul and Emmanuel Adebayor are ‘in contention’ after missing Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 second leg against Benfica through injury.

In addition, club skipper Michael Dawson is making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury picked up in the defeat to Chelsea a fortnight ago.

Vlad Chiriches (back), Etienne Capoue (ankle) and Erik Lamela (back) remain out.