Southampton's interim head coach Simon Rusk has reported a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City at St Mary's.
Albert Gronbaek and Charlie Taylor could therefore be in contention to return to the matchday squad after spells out with respective Achilles and hip injuries, while Mateus Fernandes is available for selection despite coming off early in the Saints' 2-0 defeat at Leicester City last weekend with a chest infection.
Paul Onuachu recovered from an ankle problem to feature as a substitute in the loss to Leicester and the striker is in contention to replace Ross Stewart up front against Man City, while Cameron Archer is also a candidate to lead the line.
Rusk seems settled on using Kamaldeen Sulemana and Fernandes in advanced roles just behind the central striker and both players are expected to start again this weekend, meaning that in-demand Tyler Dibling may once again begin as a substitute.
William Smallbone and Joe Aribo will continue to push for a start in midfield, but Flynn Downes and Lesley Ugochukwu are the most likely duo to link arms in the middle of the pitch as Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Manning operate as wing-backs.
Man City academy graduate Taylor Harwood-Bellis is expected to retain his starting spot in the back three alongside Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens, protecting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks.
Southampton possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Downes, Ugochukwu, Manning; Fernandes, Sulemana; Onuachu
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Oliver Thomas
