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Hasenhüttl hopeful on Ings's recovery

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Ralph Hasenhüttl has ruled forward Danny Ings out of this weekend's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, but is hopeful of having his star striker available for an intense run of fixtures between now and the end of the season.

The manager confirmed that Ings and Ryan Bertrand will be Saints' most notable absentees on Saturday evening, alongside long-term injuries to Oriol Romeu, Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone.

There was however good news surrounding the return of Obafemi and Romeu - having both been in the treatment room for sustained periods of time this season - as they each manage their return to the training field.

Additionally, defender Jannik Vestergaard will be available following news this week that the red card he received against Leicester City has been rescinded.

"We have Ingsy still not available, still with some problems," Hasenhüttl said. "Hopefully we find him back next week.

"Bertrand is out still, with a calf injury. Ori can maybe start with the team next week, he has a last scan to go but it looks okay.

"We have a game against [Crystal] Palace on Tuesday, so maybe we have a look [on Ings]. It's good that we have as many players as possible fit.

Speaking about Vestergaard's dismissal against Leicester and the club's successful appeal against that decision, Hasenhüttl added: "It's very disappointing because it's the second time this season. In both cases it has affected our game a lot. It's why we have the VAR. Simply not a good job done to be honest."