Charlie Austin and Mario Lemina left out of Southampton's pre-season tour of Austria

Charlie Austin and Mario Lemina have been left out of Southampton's 26-man squad for the club's pre-season tour of Austria.

The duo's omission has come as a surprise to many supporters, especially in the case of midfielder Lemina, who has become somewhat of a fan favourite on the south coast since his arrival from Juventus in 2017.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has made it clear that striker Charlie Austin now has no future at the club as he looks to build a completely new fresh, young squad on the south coast, and last week made a statement by signing 22-year-old forward Che Adams from Birmingham City.

Adams' arrival leaves the 30-year-old completely frozen out, with Danny Ings - who has now made his switch from Liverpool permanent - workhorse Shane Long and 19-year-old Michael Obafemi all also ahead of him in the pecking order at St Mary's.

Austin is expected to depart the club in the coming weeks, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace both reportedly interested in capturing the front man's signature ahead of the upcoming 2019-20 campaign.

For Lemina, his future looks a lot more uncertain. It is understood that the player wants to remain at the club, though a lack of first-team opportunities will of course result in him looking for a move away.

The Gabon international struggled with injuries last term, but is a top quality player when fit and has shown his capabilities when called upon for the Saints throughout the previous two seasons.

Many fans would be sad to see the back of him at St Mary's, though they would equally understand that at 25 years of age, he must do what is right for the benefit of his career.

Serie A outfit Atalanta are reportedly keen on bringing Lemina back to Italy this summer, however they have suggested an initial loan move which Saints are not thought to be entertaining; should they return with a permanent offer, a deal between the two club's could be forthcoming.

In a recent interview with Italian publication Foot Mercato, Lemina said: "Today, I am at Southampton, I still have another 3 years of contract.

"But it is true that I do not rule out the possibility of seeing something else. 

"The last 4 months have not been easy for me, with my injury. The coach put his team together. I want to start afresh. So why not leave?

"We have very good discussions with the club. We are in agreement.

"If I don’t feel good in this project, I can leave. Otherwise, the club is counting on me, there is no problem.

"They are giving me the opportunity to be able to go elsewhere."

Surprisingly, Wesley Hoedt and Cedric Soares have both travelled to Austria with Southampton. The two defenders were loaned out to Celta Vigo and Inter Milan respectively in January, with it looking certain that their futures lied away from the club - it would now appear that manager Hasenhuttl is offering them a lifeline.

This however would make sense, considering Southampton are extremely thin on the ground in the defensive area, with Yan Valery, Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jannik Vestergaard, Ryan Bertrand and Sam McQueen the only other recognised senior defenders at the club right now.

Southampton take on Austrian Bundesliga side SCR Altach next Sunday, before a trip to Deepdale to take on Championship outfit Preston North End the following Saturday.

The Saints will then travel to China for a friendly against Guangzhou Evergrande, before games against Feyenoord (a) and FC Koln (h).

Ralph Hasenhuttl's men will kick-off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Burnley on 10 August.