Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that striker Jay Rodriguez has not yet returned to full fitness following 16 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Koeman indicated that Rodriguez might feature in the second leg of the third round Europa League qualifier against Vitesse Arnhem next week after playing no part in Thursday's 3-0 win at St Mary's.
"In a short time we have different games and Jay is still not in the shape to play every three days," Koeman said.
"He will start this Sunday (in the friendly against Espanyol) because he needs that, but tonight (first leg) and Sunday is still too much and we have to think about that.
"It's possible (he could play in the second leg) because he's doing well, he's not really like before but that's normal because a long time out of competitive football. "He needs time and he gets that time and Sunday he will start against Espanyol."