Jannik Vestergaard is an injury doubt for Saints’ game at Newcastle on Saturday.

The giant defender has been forced to sit out training with a minor niggle as a heavy season starts to take its toll on his body.

Vestergaard is one of several Saints players with small issues ahead of the trip to the North East, but there is good news on Mario Lemina who could be ready to figure at some point in the next few games.

“A few small injuries,” reported Ralph Hasenhuttl.

“Jannik Vestergaard has a little bit of a problem and didn’t train the last two days but today maybe he steps back in team training.

“Like in the last weeks also after intense games he had problems and needed longer for recovery, it’s a long season for a huge body and he’s struggling but we look to see if it is possible.

“Alex McCarthy problems after his training sessions and Matt Targett. Little bit problems.

“Chas has a bit of a problem with his shoulder but we have a look.”

He added: “Yan Valery is ok.

“Michael Obafmei is not training with the group. He is individual training sessions and Mario Lemina made a big step forward.

“He trained with the team and looks much better now.

“That’s good for him and good for us that we know we have an intense week with three games in a week so it will be nice if we have one more option.”

Lemina has yet to play in 2019 after an abdominal injury that required surgery but is getting nearer to figuring again.

“I spoke to say I am sure he will play more games this season,” said Hasenhuttl.

“I think the chances are big because now he’s training with the team and so maybe this injury time comes to an end.”