Southampton: Ralph Hasenhuttl could get 'huge boost' for Newcastle clash

Mohammed Salisu will “definitely” start for Southampton tonight if he’s fit enough, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Saints defender has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem but is in contention to return to the fold when Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side host Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has been enjoying a fine season at the heart of the Southampton defence, making 24 starts in the Premier League and has formed an impressive partnership alongside Jan Bednarek.

But he suffered an injury after the Norwich game and has been sidelined ever since. Salisu’s absence was felt at Aston Villa on Saturday as Southampton suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign, going down 4-0 to Steven Gerrard’s side, a result which ended their impressive unbeaten run.

That was the second game the defender missed; the FA Cup fifth round victory over West Ham being the other.

However, he could return after a two-week absence for the visit of Newcastle tonight and Barclay reckons that Hasenhuttl won’t think twice about starting him providing he’s fit enough to feature.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Salisu will definitely come back in if he’s fit. There was a question mark about that in the presser. Ralph said Salisu, we will have to have a look, so it seems like it’s questionable whether he will or not, but it will be a huge boost if he does come back in.”

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If Salisu isn’t considered fit enough to play from the start, Hasenhuttl does have other options at the centre of his defence, although he won’t exactly be relishing having to look beyond his two regulars.

Jack Stephens started in his place at Villa Park, although following their worst defensive performance of