Mario Lemina is a class midfielder when he is fit and he could return to action in the next week or so as Saints face a crucial 8 games in 5 days

Mario Lemina was a regular in the starting line up in the first half of the season starting 17 matches plus another as sub, but he has not featured since coming off at half time in the loss to Manchester City at home on 30th December.

But he is now back in full training and could feature in any of the next three games starting with Saints trip up to Newcastle on Saturday.

“Mario Lemina made a big step forward in the week,” Hasenhüttl told the media at his pre-match press conference. “He’s trained with the team and looks much better now — that’s good for him and good for us.

“We know we have an intense week with three games, so it will be nice if we have one more option in this position.

“I have spoken about it and I am sure he will play [at least] one more game this season. The chances are big because now he is training with the team, so maybe his injury has come to an end.”

In other news Jannik Vestergaard is a doubt for the trip to St James’ Park having missed training on Tuesday and Wednesday but Hasenhuttl is hopeful that he could be fit for Saturday.

“Like in the last weeks, after intense games he has little problems and needs a little bit longer for recovery,”

“It’s a long season with a huge body, so at the moment he is struggling a little bit, but let’s have a look and see if it’s possible at the weekend."

But the manager does have what he describes as “little problems” for Alex McCarthy, Matt Targett and Charlie Austin, but the trio may still be available, the good news though is that Yan Valery is definitely fit to play.

Michael Obafemi continues to train alone as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again for the first team this season..

Photo: Action Images

legod7 added 23:03 - Apr 18 “8 games in 5 days” No wonder Saints are banking on Lemina to be ready.
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underweststand added 05:58 - Apr 19 If there was ever a time for Lemina to show his worth (£16 million) it is surely now. I'm sure he (and the fans) are disappointed that we have only seen rare glimpses of his skill, when we expected a tough, box-to-box midfielder who would dominate games. It's fairly certain that this summer will see the biggest overhaul of a Saints squad since Koeman came in (after Pochettino's defection). I would hate to think that Mario might join the ever-increasing list of players who sadly "don't fit the bill" in Ralph's regime. Like many others, he has a contract that goes out in ...2022 and undoubtedly his salary is on a similarly high level. He needs to start delivering, and now could be the perfect time.

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SaintBrock added 08:19 - Apr 19 Hutch was very cautious about Lemina's return suggesting only that he might play "one more game for us this season". Doubt he will travel to he North East this weekend or Vicarage Road but may make the bench next Saturday?
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SanMarco added 10:03 - Apr 19 There will be lots of 'does he suit RH's style of play' questions asked over players during the summer. Not sure Ralph will have seen enough of him to decide. For me one of the big questions of the summer will be over Ings. If we don't have to I think we should let him go back to Liverpool. Good player but simply too often out injured.
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highfield49 added 10:55 - Apr 19 I can't see Lemina moving in the summer unless he asks for a move or has an attitude issue that gives RH cause for concern. Let's not forget that some of his performances were getting rave reviews from the pundits and he was being lined up, by the usual suspects, for a move to a bigger club. I don't know yet how good he is when fully fit but compared to some of the players on the payroll I suspect he is the least likely to be moved on. Seems as though Charlie is certain to leave and it would be no surprise to me, or many others, if Gallagher, McCarthy and Hoedt were very quick to follow.

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saint66 added 11:56 - Apr 19 Would the editor of this column who voices many of his opinions regarding the Saints players along with the ex board members remind me of the eight teams Saints will be playing in the next five days. Get facts correct before writing a column.
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carolinasaint added 12:55 - Apr 19 LeGod: I suppose it would be helpful to have Lemina fit for this 8 -games-in-five-days stretch, but really we shouldn't even need him. These pampered footballers are making millions of pounds. No reason other than sheer laziness that they couldn't handle that workload. If I had the chance to get paid for playing a game...etc, etc. In actuality, I'm not sure I could handle eight in five...that's an awful lot of pints!

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Consigliere added 15:33 - Apr 19 Luxury player in my view and an uncertain attitude - not one to die for the cause. I wouldn't worry too much if he doesn't play.
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zonehead added 18:15 - Apr 19 Lenin’s can go he thinks he’s better than he is , as for Danny zings heard he’s buying a house in the area so looks like he’s staying
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SaintBlonde added 19:10 - Apr 19 Ings is an obligation to buy so there is no sending him back. He is on loan but is essentially our player. If the niggles stop he is a class player and important to how we play.
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DPeps added 09:34 - Apr 20 Lemina - I get the feeling he's been injured since arriving, and that's why we've not seen the best of him. Injuries to your core (back, abdomen etc) are difficult to deal with, but now that he's had surgery hopefully he'll be able to play consistently to his potential. Ings - great guy, excellent attitude... but often players who have had serious knee injuries don't fully recover. He's definitely worth keeping, but if you have Ings you need to get another striker to cover him being injured

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skiptonsaint added 11:04 - Apr 20 The Ings one is interesting. I’m happy for him to stay but we need another striker at least as good as him. In other words it’s risky if he is planned as our number one striker next year.
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SaintPaulVW added 15:26 - Apr 20 I think Ings is worth the money even for half a season. Lemina I'm hoping that the brief glimpses we have seen have been because of him bring held back by injuries rather than attitude. The way he wrong foots and sails past even the best players mid field are just draw dropping. If this is the reason and the ops do put him right he won't be here for long so I want to see him in full flight for a year at least.

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KriSaint added 19:51 - Apr 20 I´m also hoping Lemina stays for at least another season. When it comes to McCarthy, I hope he stays. Gunn is not at all a better keeper than our player of the season, last season. Ings? I really don´t know.... Let´s let Hasenhüttl decide.
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