Leeds United v Southampton: Huge team news boost for Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl

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Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been given a quadruple fitness boost ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Midfielder Nathan Tella has not featured for the Saints since coming off in the 3-1 loss at Wolves on January 15 but the 22-year-old is back in training following a groin injury ahead of the weekend trip to West Yorkshire.

Keeper Alex McCarthy has not played since the 1-1 draw at home to Brighton on December 4 but the custodian is also back in light training after overcoming a hamstring issue.

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As part of a quadruple boost, midfielders Oriol Romeu and Will Smallbone have also recovered from setbacks since the 4-1 defeat against FA Cup visitors Manchester City before the international break.

FOUR PLAYERS BACK: For Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, above, ahead of Saturday's clash against Leeds United at Elland Road. Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images.FOUR PLAYERS BACK: For Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, above, ahead of Saturday's clash against Leeds United at Elland Road. Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images.
FOUR PLAYERS BACK: For Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, above, ahead of Saturday's clash against Leeds United at Elland Road. Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images.

Romeu had a stomach issue whilst Smallbone tested positive for Covid-19.

Providing his team news at Thursday morning's press conference, Hasenhutll said: “Alex McCarthy is back in training, light with the goalkeepers and Will Smallbone had Covid but he’s back in training also.

“Ori (Romeu) was a little bit out with some stomach problem but he’s back in.

"Nathan Tella is back and training with the team.”

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Hasenhuttl also said he would be checking the fitness of the club's recently returned internationals on Thursday afternoon.

The Austrian added: “So far I have no messages about injuries from the internationals, I will see them this afternoon but it seems that everyone is back on board.”

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