Ralph Hassenhuttl has confirmed Moi Elyounoussi will NOT return to Southampton early despite an injury crisis in the wide areas.

The Celtic loan star has been in decent form this season with 15 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, his most recent strike coming against Livingston in Wednesday evening's 2-2 draw.

Injuries to top Saints wingers like Nathan Redmond, Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Tella and Will Smallbone prompted fears over who could deputise for the club in their matches against Arsenal. And some fans urged Hassenhuttl to consider recalling the Norwegian.

The Austrian manager did suggest he may re-think his loan decisions in future, but categorically rejected the notion of brining back Elyounoussi as cover.

He said: "We must be very careful who we send on loan again because it is a special situation and you could have a few Covid cases and then you need everyone in the squad." And asked by Hampshire Live if he would look to bring back Moi, he responded: "Definitely not. 

"Maybe if we had more long-term injuries, we have two at the moment with Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone, but the rest could be back quickly, so it doesn’t make sense to bring anybody back."