Mauricio Pellegrino has confirmed that regular full-back pairing Cédric and Ryan Bertrand are not yet fit enough to return to competitive action, as the trip to Manchester United nears.
Striker Charlie Austin is also continuing to nurse a hamstring problem, while Bertrand could recover in time to feature when Saints host Crystal Palace on January 2nd.
The manager said: "Charlie, Cédric and Ryan are the players who will not be involved against Man United.
"Maybe Ryan is the closest to a return, I hope against Crystal Palace he'd be ready to play."