Claude Puel reveals that Charlie Austin could feature this weekend for Southampton
By Chris Hughes
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Saints’ trip to Middlesbrough, manager Claude Puel has suggested Charlie Austin could make his highly-anticipated return.
Things haven’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Southampton and their supporters as of late, with last night’s loss to Arsenal making it five games without a win for the Saints.
This weekend however the Saints will travel to face an already-relegated Middlesbrough, who have nothing to play for. What’s more, no team have scored less goals this season that Boro, providing the perfect setting for Southampton to bounce back.
What’s more, in his pre-match presser early today, under-fire manager Claude Puel has suggested that Charlie Austin could make a return to the first team.
He said: “We will see for Charlie and for the other players. The most important thing is to try to have a good balance in the physical fitness of the team between some players with good game time and other players who come back just into the training sessions, like Austin, perhaps Targett or Pied – we will see.”
The Saints have been without the English striker since last December, when a shoulder injury forced him off in a Europa League tie against Hapoel Beer-Sheeva. He is still the Saints’ leading scorer in all competitions with nine goals in 19 appearances.
Therefore the 27-year-old’s return will be greatly welcomed by the Southampton supporters, with the side having failed to score in three full Premier League games.
As a result the Saints could slip as low as 15th if all possible results go against them, with only three points separating Leicester City in ninth and Watford who are just three places above the drop zone.
Ahead of the must-win game against Boro, Puel confirmed that the side face no fresh injury concerns, with only long-term absentees still unavailable for selection.
He said: “There are no new injuries after the game. Of course, we will see the recovery of the players after two strong games.
“This will be the most important thing ahead of the game against Middlesbrough.”
Southampton’s game against Steve Agnew’s side is this Saturday, with a regular kick-off time of 3:00 PM.