Mohammed Salisu could make his long-awaited Southampton debut against Wolves this evening following a strong hint from Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Austrian gave his strongest indication yet that the Ghana international could make his debut, confirming his availability after a prolonged spell out with injury.
The Saints will battle with Wolves twice in the space of just four days, as they also take on the Midlands club in the Premier League on Sunday lunchtime.
Salisu last made a competitive appearance against Levante when he was still featuring for Real Valladolid in Spain’s La Liga. He arrived at Staplewood suffering from injury in the summer, but the club nonetheless sanctioned a move for the centre-back believed to be worth £10.9m.
According to Hampshire Live, the club has looked to step up his training preparations ahead of his debut, and Salisu could make his Southampton bow in tonight’s FA Cup clash. The coaching staff have put him through ‘a number of gruelling first-team sessions to provide them with the confidence that he is able to handle a senior game’.
Hasenhuttl gave his biggest hint yet that Saints fans could finally see their summer signing making his debut, telling Hampshire Live: “This is the fittest he ever was, so far. He will be available to start on Thursday, yes.
“This was the plan, it didn’t work the first time [against Shrewsbury]. Let’s hope it works now.”
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Salisu could be joined by Kyle Walker-Peters in returning to the fold this evening.
Having lost their last five league games, a cup appearance for both players could be crucial in plugging the holes which have seen the Saints sink down towards mid-table mediocrity.
