Southampton head coach Ivan Juric hopes to have Aaron Ramsdale back in contention for Saturday's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The ex-Arsenal man was unavailable for last weekend's 3-1 loss to Newcastle United owing to a muscular problem, but he is not believed to be nursing a serious concern and could displace Alex McCarthy this weekend.
Ramsdale might be one of five returnees for the visitors, who should not be without Kamaldeen Sulemana (hamstring), Ross Stewart (calf), Jack Stephens (unspecified) and new signing Albert Gronbaek (fitness) for too much longer either, but Tyler Dibling (ankle) is definitely out.
Stephens would add a layer of experience to the Saints' backline, but for now, Juric should persist with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and James Bree, the latter two of whom combined for the opening goal against the Magpies.
However, Yukinari Sugawara should displace Ryan Manning on the flanks, a switch that would force Kyle Walker-Peters over to the left wing-back position again.
As Rennes loanee Gronbaek acclimatises to the Premier League, Joe Aribo and Lesley Ugochukwu should pair up at Portman Road, with Mateus Fernandes operating just ahead of the pair.
Adam Armstrong might be fearing for his spot after only lasting an hour against Newcastle, but the striker should hold off the challenge of Cameron Archer for now as he partners Paul Onuachu in the final third.
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Bree, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis; Sugawara, Aribo, Ugochukwu, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Armstrong, Onuachu
> Click here to see how Ipswich could line up for this match
Ben Knapton
