RALPH Hasenhuttl revealed that Sofiane Boufal requires an injection every time he trains with the team.

The Moroccan international has been struggling with an injured toe in recent weeks after accidentally kicking a kitchen unit at home.

Hasenhuttl has paid close attention to the issue and knows he’ll have to manage it carefully over the Christmas period.

He said: “Boufal is getting better and better.

“The problem is it’s not just the toe it’s the tendon underneath that’s hurting, where there is always a lot of pressure on.

“Pain is not helpful, we must pay attention that it’s not getting worse.

“We must be patient with him and bring the issue away completely so there is nothing and he can train without an injection.

“We always tried to make him fit but it’s not a perfect situation if you don’t train during the week.

“We know we have all the games over Christmas and it’s important we have all the players available.”

Elsewhere on the injury front, Saints will be boosted by Stuart Armstrong’s return to the side for Saturday’s game with West Ham.

Armstrong has been missing from action since the draw with Arsenal earlier this month.

The injury came as a blow to the Scottish midfielder after forcing his way back into Hasenhuttl’s starting XI.

Hasenhuttl added: “The good thing is that Stuart Armstrong is back in training and trained with the team for the first time. He is looking good as an option for the weekend.”

Hasenhuttl explained that defender Yan Valery, who has a viral infection, won’t be fit in time to play this weekend and is unlikely to return any time soon.

This will leave Saints short at right-back, with Cedric being the only alternative first-team option.

Hasenhuttl added: “He [Valery] was out the last two weeks and will be out for longer. He has a viral infection and it takes time.”