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Southampton: Hughes hints at Austin appearance against West Ham

By Chris Hughes

COVENTRY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mark Hughes, Manager of Stoke City looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Stoke City at Ricoh Arena on January 6, 2018 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mark Hughes, Manager of Stoke City looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Stoke City at Ricoh Arena on January 6, 2018 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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In his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against the Hammers, Southampton manager Mark Hughes has suggested that Charlie Austin could feature.

The English forward has been injured since the festive period when what looked like a minor injury ended up forcing Austin to the sidelines for three months.

The setback came at just the wrong time for the 28-year-old, who had scored five goals in seven games after finally getting a breakthrough in the starting XI under ex-manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

With Guido Carrillo still yet to find the back of the net since his £19 million move from France, Southampton supporters have been counting the days until Austin is fit again, with Hughes hinting that the striker could feature against West Ham.

"“We’re hopeful on Charlie Austin and he is very keen to be involved against West Ham. It was a significant injury and he’s done magnificently to recover.” – Hughes"

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Hughes will be under immense pressure ahead of the game against the Hammers, with it being seen as one of the Saints’ last winnable games of the campaign. David Moyes’ side are currently one place above Southampton in 17th meaning the result could have great ramifications come May.

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The Welshman has already been praised heavily by his players following his arrival, and the supporters saw plenty to be excited about in the second half of the Saints’ 2-0 win over Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

But with all respect to the League One side, facing West Ham in a crucial Premier League fixture offers a different challenge all together, and Hughes will need his Southampton side to be at their best this weekend.

Having Austin available – even if it’s only as a second-half substitute – would be a massive boost to the Saints and their chances of coming away with all three points.

The striker scored the deciding goal when the two teams met earlier this campaign – a composed penalty in the dying embers of the fixture show that Austin doesn’t crack under pressure and that kind of mentality will prove vital this weekend.

Southampton versus West Ham kicks off at 3:00 PM this Saturday at the London Stadium.

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