BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl is hoping to see young guns Tino Livramento and Will Smallbone back working alongside his squad, after their brief break in fixtures.
Full-back Livramento and midfielder Smallbone have been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City at St Mary’s (5.30pm).
Livramento has been dealing with a meniscus problem which has kept him out of action since December.
Smallbone has not featured in Saints’ past four league games after sustaining a calf injury.
Saints’ next clash following this weekend’s City battle comes against Coventry in the FA Cup on February 5.
Speaking about when Livramento and Smallbone could return, Hasenhuttl said: “I don't want to put pressure on them.
“But I hope that after the break we see him (Livramento) back on the pitch with the players, hopefully then without reaction from the knee.
“We will see, I think this is the time schedule but we will have a look.
"The same with Will, I think. We know that it was a serious muscle injury but in the end - also the same, hopefully.
“As soon as have the break we hope to find him back on the pitch with the team.
"It still takes a little bit until you are match fit but I do not think it will take that long anymore for them to come back.”
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