SAINTS striker Michael Obafemi is back in training.

The 18-year-old has been out of action since scoring his maiden goal for the first team in the 3-1 win at Huddersfield back in December.

Obafemi has travelled to Tenerife with the rest of the Saints squad for an intensive week of training and performance reviews.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed the striker’s attendance but added that Danny Ings and Mario Lemina will be staying at home to recover from their injuries.

Hasenhuttl said: “He’s [Obafemi] back in training.

“He will be a part of the team in Tenerife.

“Ingsy and Lemina are staying at home because it’s too early for them. We only take players who can train with us and Michael’s fit.”

Hasenhuttl had previously questioned Obafemi’s professionalism.

Speaking at a fans’ forum event, the Saints chief thought the striker’s injuries could have been prevented with a better focus on recovery.

Hasenhuttl added: “I think we must look exactly what the reasons are for these injuries are.

“Michael Obafemi came up from the youth and he has a very, very stiff body because he is a type of sprinter and this guy has to work very hard on his body, so he can play the game we need him to play.

“He is very, very quick and we need him to sprint not two or three times, but we need it 20 or 30 times.

“To do this, he must be more physically trained and also have a better recovery like he did until now.

“I think I am missing a bit of professionalism in his work and that is sometimes a part of the young players.”

The 18-year-old’s return to training should prove to be a timely boost for Saints due to Ings enduring another spell in the treatment room.

It was down to Shane Long to lead the line in the 2-1 defeat to Cardiff, with Charlie Austin coming on as a second half substitute.

The duo failed to create anything of note, largely down to a lack of service, but the addition of Obafemi's pace adds another dimension to the Saints attack. It's likely that he'll make his comeback against Arsenal on Sunday, 24 February.