Southampton head coach Ronald Koeman remains hopeful that French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin will play again before the season comes to an end.

The 25-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the Saints, sustained a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur just under a fortnight ago.

And initial reports suggested that Schneiderlin would not be able to feature again this season, but Koeman is now hopeful that that will not be the case.

The Dutchman told BBC Radio Solent: “His prognosis is more positive and maybe he will play one or a maximum of two games.

“If everything goes well, he can be ready for Manchester City (on the final day of the season). If there is a surprise he will play at home against Aston Villa.”

Schneiderlin will definitely be absent on Saturday when Southampton face a tough task in taking on in-form Leicester City in the East Midlands.

The Foxes have won five of their last six Premier League games to give themselves a real chance of avoiding relegation.

Meanwhile, the men from the south coast also have plenty left to play for, as they bid to ensure a top-seven finish which is likely to be enough to earn a place in the Europa League next term.

Southampton are 2.88 to win at the King Power Stadium, with a Leicester victory 2.50.

Koeman, meanwhile, says he knows nothing of any concrete interest in Schneiderlin, adding: “Nobody has made a serious bid for the player. It is all about the rumours, but I can’t listen to all the rumours or I would be crazy.”