CLAUDE Puel is optimistic Manolo Gabbiadini and Steven Davis will return from injury for Saints against Manchester City on Saturday.

Gabbiadini has been out for the last three games, having suffered a groin injury against Tottenham in March.

Davis meanwhile missed the trip to West Bromwich Albion after taking a heavy blow to his ankle in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last week.

"Normally Gabbiadini and Davis can comeback in the squad and we will see if they can start," Puel said.

Charlie Austin is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder, with Puel planning a few appearances for striker with the under-23s before he returns to frontline duties for the first time since early December.

"For Charlie we need to wait," Puel said."He’s come back in the training session with the group, but it's a long time until he can play a high level with the team - but that's normal.

"It will be important that he plays some games with the under-23s because he's stayed a long time without playing."

On Gabbiadini, Puel added: "He is likely to come back into the squad and we will see if he can start, or perhaps come on in the second-half of the game.

"We will wait to see this in tomorrow’s training session."