Southampton could be handed a major boost ahead of their crucial Premier League tie against Brighton on Saturday, with Danny Ings said to be back in contention.
Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that the striker is coming to the end of a long injury lay-off and could return at the Amex, where a win for Saints would take them another giant step closer to Premier League survival.
Speaking ahead of the game, as reported on the club’s official website, he said:
Danny [Ings] has trained for two weeks with the first-team. Last week we had a friendly against QPR and he played 45 minutes without any problems.
We’ll wait and see if he’s an option for the starting eleven, but I’m happy that he’s back in training.
Brighton sit three points ahead of Southampton in the Premier League, with both teams locked in a relegation battle. Victory for Saints would see them catch up with the Seagulls, who have a game in hand.
Saints boss Hasenhuttl understands the significance of this game, saying:
It’s a six-point game for sure and can be a big step, and also to take a point could be an important one for us. We are focusing on going there with a good match plan and to take points.
Southampton beat Tottenham 2-1 at St Mary’s in their last outing in the Premier League and will be hoping to build on that impressive performance when they make the 65 mile trip along the south coast.
