Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo will miss Sunday afternoon's clash with Newcastle United due to the birth of his first child. The 24-year-old is currently in Paris preparing for the birth with his partner.
While Djenepo began the season as a regular starter for Ralph Hasenhuttl's Saints, the Malian winger has found his opportunities limited of late. In their last six games, Djenepo has played just 42 minutes combined off the bench, with Romain Perraud starting instead for Southampton.
Newcastle head into the clash on the south coast in excellent form after handing out a 4-0 drubbing to Aston Villa a week prior. And speaking ahead of the game Hasenhuttl revealed Djenepo won't be part of the Saints match day squad on Sunday afternoon.
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"First, I need to see his baby because at the moment he's in Paris with his wife," said Hasenhuttl in his pre-match press conference. "I don't think it's happened just yet so he will not be a part of the team on the weekend.
"When he comes back and he's a happy father, hopefully, he'll have new energy. I know it does something to you when you become a father for the first time. Hopefully, he puts everything on the pitch and performs like he always has done for this club."
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