SAINTS forward Paul Onuachu has been given a 50/50 chance of playing against West Ham this weekend by interim boss Simon Rusk.
The Nigerian international, who is Southampton's top goalscorer in the Premier League, was forced off at half-time against Aston Villa last weekend with an ankle issue.
Onuachu, 30, has been able to train at points this week but will need to be assessed on Friday before a final decision is made on his availability.
"He's been back in and around it the last day or two, so I think it might be a bit 50-50 at this point," Rusk said, previewing the trip to West Ham.
"It's probably one to assess tomorrow. That will give us a little bit more time to see where that one sits. We're hopeful, but nothing conclusive.
"I don't think you get away with carrying people who aren't quite right in the Premier League. One thing's for certain: if he's starting, it's because we're confident he'll be right."
Saints will welcome Flynn Downes back into the team on Saturday after the midfielder served his two-game ban.
The former West Ham man missed the defeats to Spurs and Aston Villa, having picked up his 10th yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace.
Rusk is delighted to have Downes available again and admitted his team selection will be difficult: "Flynn brings really great energy to the group, a great professional to work with.
"It was frustrating that we were not able to draw upon him last week, but to have him back this week is a real positive for us.
"The energy has been really high across the board this week from the players, and the level of commitment, so Flynn's been one of many.
"The enthusiasm and the intensity of training have been excellent. I think I've got a good problem this week in terms of the old cliche, a good problem to have.
"I've got a large squad to pick from this week. I've got a few decisions to make about what the starting team will be.
"I think in the best way possible, the lads this week, the way they've trained, have made it hard for me."
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