Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl says absent Jan Bednarek was fit for their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.

The Polish international is set to go away with his country and face a crunch World Cup qualifying playoff final versus Sweden or Czech Republic on Tuesday, March 29.

Asked if Bednarek had picked up an injury, Hasenhuttl responded: “He is okay, he has a big game for Poland next week and it seemed to be that he isn't 100% with his mind for us, I think.

“I didn't want to take the risk that in some moments he didn't want to take the last step to hurt himself in this game today."

Despite suggesting there was a potential international distraction for one of his defensive stalwarts, Hasenhuttl insists that the upcoming break has come at a good time.

"It's always a good time," Hasenhuttl joked. "Absolutely because it is an intense time between the last one we had in November and now."