Armando Broja back in Southampton training ahead of Villa fixture

Southampton fans will be delighted after seeing pictures of striker Armando Broja back in first-team training ahead of Friday’s clash with Aston Villa.

Saints released a teasing image of the young Albanian taking part in drills at Staplewood via their social media accounts in what is a strong hint that he could be available tomorrow.

Broja hit some strong form and scored two important Premier League goals in two successive games before missing last Saturday’s win over Watford with a minor ankle injury.

His return to fitness will see more decisions for Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, with others such as Che Adams and Adam Armstrong showing decent form themselves in recent times.

Southampton could be boosted towards another big win by Broja return

One striker pairing that has not been tried much this season is the combination of Che Adams and Armando Broja.

Both have good variety to their games and can support the attack in a number of ways, but it would certainly intriguing for Southampton fans to see them start together against Aston Villa.

They are the most in-form goal threats that Ralph Hasenhuttl has in his armoury right now, even though an Adam Armstrong or Nathan Redmond-type player would provide more pace and a deceptive turn of direction around the box.

With Hasenhuttl’s pre-match press conference coming up at 1:30pm this afternoon (Thursday), fans will be listening in to hear any other team news that comes from the Austrian.

Jack Stephens is the only long-term injury absentee and Saints could otherwise have a fully fit squad to take on Villa if Broja returns to action, meaning that there is a strong opportunity to take more vital Premier League points.

Former Southampton striker Danny Ings and defender Ezri Konsa are set to be the most notable absentees from Villa’s squad.