Charlie Austin and Matt Targett return to full Southampton training
By Chris Hughes
After both being absent from the first team since before the turn of the year, Saints duo Charlie Austin and Matt Targett began training again today.
Ahead of Southampton’s tricky end-of-season run-in Claude Puel has been given a boost as two of his long-term absentees returned to training today.
Charlie Austin will return after being absent since December, when we suffered a shoulder injury after scoring nine goals in his first 19 appearances.
His tally is still the most of any Saints player, and his return will be most-welcomed by the fans.
Claude Puel however is keen to not rush either Austin or Targett back, calling for patience at his pre-match press conference against Hull City.
He said: “I am happy that they can come back for the training session but we know they haven’t played for a long time, so it’s important for them to find a good rhythm and intensity now – this will take some time.
“I hope Charlie can participate before the end of the season with the group. For the moment it’s just important for him to make progress and get physically fit.”
Matt Targett’s return is also good news for Saints’ defense, as it gives Claude Puel more options at left-back.
The 21-year-old’s injury way back in September forced Claude Puel to re-shape Sam McQueen as a makeshift full-back, a role he has grown into.
Despite this a natural left-back would be a much safer option, and also allows Ryan Bertrand to play as a centre-back – something he did under Ronald Koeman – if worst comes to worst.
Puel has again suggested in his presser that the Southampton Under 23’s game against Manchester City would be a good fitness test for Austin.
Even if the 27-year-old doesn’t push into the starting XI before the end of the season it’ll provide good competition for Manolo Gabbiadini, with Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long both misfiring as of late.