Saints are optimistic Mario Lemina will be fit to face Newcastle.

The midfielder was forced off during the draw at Bournemouth after injuring his left knee when landing heavily on it after challenging for a ball in the air.

However, Saints are hopeful there is no serious damage.

“He got a bang on his ribs just before half time and went up for a ball and hyper extended his knee as he came down,” explained Saints boss Mark Hughes.

“He was able to carry on so that would suggest he’s just going to be sore for a couple of days we hope, but we will just have to wait and see how the next two days go.

“Hopefully it will just settle down.”