Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has ruled out the possibility of Ryan Bertrand returning to action to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, saying the defender needs to work on his fitness after his injury lay off.
Bertrand has been out of action since November after undergoing a minor operation on his back. The expectancy was that he’d be back in action by now, but that hasn’t been the case.
As reported by the Daily Echo, Hasenhuttl confirmed that the England international will be given at least another week to work on his fitness ahead of a crucial period for the Saints.
He said:
If [Ryan] trains like he did the last two weeks I think it’s only a question about one or two weeks and he can maybe be an option.
Saints have won their last two league games and will be hoping to make it three on the bounce when Palace visit St Mary’s, whilst Roy Hodgson’s men will be hoping to build on their FA Cup victory over Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
