Southampton boss, Will Still, has intimated that he could bring Nigerian international, Joe Aribo, back into the squad to face Preston North End at St Mary's this weekend.
Aribo has not played for the club in a competitive match this season and has been very much left out in the cold by the new manager. Aribo remains the highest paid player in the squad, costing Southampton £70,000 per week.
Many reasons have been put forward for Aribo's omission from the squad including the fact that Aribo failed to secure a move away from the club in the summer transfer window after being heavily linked with an exit from St Mary’s.
Still has taken the stance that both Super-Eagles star Aribo, and winger Sam Edozie, had missed so much of pre-season that they were not ready to join up with the squad.
Now it seems that Still has found the excuse that he needed to bring one of his key players back into the squad. The injury to Shea Charles sustained at Blackburn last weekend has made it impossible for Still to overlook Aribo any longer.
What Still thinks about Aribo may surprise fans
The Nigerian is well-liked by the manager and he described Aribo as a 'fantastic player', 'a good guy,' and 'very humble' in Thursday's press conference.
Although Aribo is still tipped to leave the club in January, it would be foolish for Southampton not to use him while he is still at St Mary's.
Aribo can play as a midfielder or as a centre-forward, a position that he played with great success at Rangers. At Ibrox, the Nigerian, tallied 25 goals and 26 assists in 149 games. Played in a much deeper role under Russell Martin, Aribo managed just 9 goals in 104 matches.
With a year left to run on his contract, Aribo could become an important player for his side as they try to turn their form around before the international break. With Flynn Downes doubtful for the weekend, Aribo could well find himself thrust into the action sooner than he might have expected.
What form Aribo will be in, if used on Saturday, is anybody's guess. According to Still, he has “done really well in training“ and is encouraged to be ready when called upon.
Southampton 'goal of the month' winner might be recalled
Another player who may return to the fold on Saturday is Kuryu Matsuki. He's seen very little action since scoring a world class goal from 30-yards against Norwich in the EFL Cup.
Matsuki, who spent last year on loan at Sport Republic owned Turkish club Göztepe, must be wondering what he has to do to impress the manager. However, with Finn Azaz and Léo Scienza now further up the pecking order, he may be grateful just to be named among the substitutes.