Charlie Austin could return to the Saints squad in the coming days with the star striker set to play for the under-23s tonight.

Austin has been sidelined since December after suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery, but remains the club’s top scorer this season with nine in all competitions.

The 27-year-old is one of a number of first teamers lining up for the club’s youth set-up at Manchester City this evening, and with five games still to play in the coming days could return to the first team squad if he prove his fitness.

Southampton boss Claude Puel said: “The under-23s we play today for the last game for them and Austin will play his first game today against Manchester City away. Targett also, Jeremy Pied, Reed, McQueen, Gardos, Hassen – many players can play this game.

“Austin, Pied, target to improve in their physical fitness and I hope we can see them until the end of the season.”

When asked whether Austin could even be back in the squad in time to face Liverpool on Sunday he added: “I don’t know. It’s difficult to know this because it’s important to see him on his level and his possibility to make a good game, a strong game and a training session.

“We will see for the next games, for the next days.

“We have now many players in attack and it’s important to see the level for everyone.”