The return to training of midfielder James Ward-Prowse today will be a welcome sight for Saints supporters.

Ward-Prowse has been missing due to a fractured foot since September, 20 when the 20-year-old limped out of Saints’ 1-0 win at Swansea in the Premier League.

But while there is no news on an exact time of his return to full match action, it will bring relief to the St Mary’s camp, which has been hit by a string of injuries in recent weeks, to see him back training with team-mates at Staplewood.

He was seen smiling alongside fellow academy graduates Harrison Reed and Matt Targett. 

The loss of Morgan Schneiderlin, Toby Alderweireld and Jack Cork to injury has meant options have been limited for manager Ronald Koeman recently. 

Ward-Prowse made six appearances for Saints before fracturing his foot and was due to be missing for ten weeks. 

The news comes as Koeman looks to get the club's season back on track, after three straight defeats to Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, with a trip to Burnley on Saturday (3pm).