Moussa Djenepo is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted his injury problem is worse than first hoped.

The exciting attacker, who has scored twice in the early stages of the season, missed the game against Bournemouth with a muscle injury in his upper leg.

Saints hoped it would quickly settle but there also now appears to be damage to his tendons which could mean a longer stint in the treatment room, and definitely rules him out of tomorrow night’s derby game at Portsmouth.

“It can take longer he is back in the team,” admitted Hasenhuttl.

“It’s not good for us that he is maybe longer out.

“We don’t know at the moment and it’s a difficult injury because the tendon is maybe hurt and it’s a big risk to take him on the pitch. He can’t shoot so it doesn’t make sense.

“The other muscles could take the function to make this muscle more stable.

“At the moment I don’t have a good message.”

Nathan Redmond is a doubt for the Pompey tie.

Redmond returned to the team for the Bournemouth loss following an ankle problem but Hasenhuttl confessed he may not be ready to play a second game in such quick succession.

Hasenhuttl also appeared to lay the ground for a few changes for Pompey by saying he would pick his strongest team but that it may have to change following the Cherries loss.

He said: “The strongest 11 I can put on the pitch because we know about the games.

“Against Fulham we did the same but it doesn’t mean the same squad as last Friday. A few players were injured like Reddie for example and he went out with cramps in his muscles on Friday evening so does it makes sense or is it too much risk from the beginning? Maybe an option from the bench.

“We don’t take risks to lose players for a long time.

“We had three injured players for Fulham with Michael, Reddie and Moussa but if my medical department say it’s ok I take them and if not I won’t take the risk.”