Southampton were handed a boost on Wednesday as Stuart Armstrong made his return to action against Tottenham.
Armstrong had originally been ruled out of the clash, as manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said that he did not think he would be fit to face Jose Mourinho’s side. The midfielder had been out with a hip injury, but was able to take his place on the bench.
Speaking to Southampton’s website, Hasenhuttl said at the time:
Stuart is ahead of schedule.
He could maybe be fit quicker than we think, but fit for Wednesday, I don’t think so.
The Scottish international eventually came off the bench for Sofiane Boufal, although he was unable to prevent Tottenham’s 3-2 win. Southampton would have faced Norwich in the fifth round next month, with Spurs now set to face the Canaries.
These Southampton fans reacted to his return.
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC Armstrong on the bench, let’s get it lads (@LonerAnthem)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC Armstrong on the bench 🤪 (@kierannkater98)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC Armstrong!!!!!! (@AliiceW)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC Armstrong on the bench you love to see it ! #saintsfc #upthesaints https://t.co/GGfJFcsNJm (@saintsprimepod)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC Armstrong makes me happy when skies are grey (@SaintJxy)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC Well done Saints medical team, getting Stuart Armstrong back in the squad ahead of schedule (@HepburnGraham)
Southampton now enter the Premier League winter break and do not have a match until a week on Saturday, when they host Burnley.
