Defender Mohammed Saslisu will have to wait for a "few more weeks' to make his Southampton debut, according to manager Ralph Hassenhutl.
The 21-year old joined the Saints in the summer transfer window from La Liga outfit Real Valladolid, but he is yet to make his first competitive appearance for the club.
Manager Ralph Hassenhutl says the Ghanaian youngster will need time to get himself acquainted to football in England, therefore there is no need to rush him into the team.
“It may take a few more weeks, maybe [to break into the starting set-up]. After the next international break [in October], I hope to have him in the first eleven. He has good drive and is a very ambitious guy,” Hasenhuttl told Hampshire Live.
“He is working hard on his fitness at the moment after a long break from injury and there are a few issues we must work on but you can see his physicality.
“He will not be a short-term project, he will be more of a long-term project. Therefore I think he was a fantastic transfer."
Salidu missed the season opener against Crystal Palace, a game Southampton lost 1-0 at the Selhurst Park.