STRIKER Michael Obafemi has returned to training at Saints following a lengthy injury lay-off.

The 20-year-old has been out of action since January, when he underwent surgery on a leg muscle issue.

Obafemi has featured just twice for Saints this season, coming off the bench in games against Brentford and Burnley in September.

But boss Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed the Republic of Ireland international is not quite ready to return to action in time for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Asked for an update on his squad's fitness ahead of taking on Leicester City, Hasenhuttl said: "So far we have no more injuries from the last game (at West Brom).

"A few players coming back. The first time for a long time we have Michael Obafemi back in training.

"But no, it is too early for him to play a game at the weekend.

"We still have with Will Smallbone and Ori (Romeu), two players out. The rest are training with us at the moment."