Ralph Hasenhüttl says he will need fresh players for the visit of Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, with the Saints boss able to consider Danny Ings for a return.

Saints went all the way to penalties against Derby County on Wednesday night after extra-time in the Emirates FA Cup third round replay, before bowing out of the competition.

And with some players still on the road to recovery, the boss has hinted at some rotation.



danny's injury is gone, so he can train twice this week. he's a guy who can score important goals for us. ralph hasenhüttl

on danny ings

He is helped by the return of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Charlie Austin and Yan Valery from suspension, while there is also some positive news on the injury front, with top-scorer Ings available again after a hamstring problem.



"We have to find out who are the players who can be physically so strong that they can play again from the beginning, and we have the chance to bring a few new fresh players in, because we have a few suspended players coming back and Danny Ings's injury is gone, so he can train twice this week," said Hasenhüttl.



"He showed that he's a guy who can score important goals for us. He is back after a small hamstring problem and it doesn't seem that he cannot play 90 minutes on Saturday, so we have to think about it. We have a few options and we have to look in what direction it goes."



Hasenhüttl added: “Michael Obafemi is still not in training so he is out. A few guys are in training but are still having pain so we have to be careful not to push them too much to their limits.



“For example, Lemina still has problems with his stomach and I wanted Ryan Bertrand to play yesterday but it was too early for him because he still has pain.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is available again after a four-game suspension

“The good thing is we have players like Sam Galllagher who has come back from his injury and I think he had a good game last night [against Derby]. He showed he can be an option for us in front.



“All the suspended players are coming back like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Chaz Austin and Yan Valery, who can all play on Saturday which is a good thing.



“I think we really need fresh players on Saturday because we played 120 minutes, which is tough to go for a lot of them. I can’t make a change or rotate in every position because it is not possible due to the injuries we have, but we will have a look.



"It depends how physically strong every player is and I have a few very strong players and a few who are not so far in their development. That’s why I have to have a good eye on the guys today and tomorrow to see how they feel and how fresh they are.”

Related Press conference (part one): Hasenhüttl looks ahead to Everton clash