RUSSELL Martin has confirmed that James Ward-Prowse will be back in the squad for tomorrow's pre-season friendly against AZ Alkmaar.

The Saints captain was left out for Tuesday night's fixture against AFC Bournemouth on a precautionary basis.

Martin has also confirmed that he will be without his full squad once again with four players not fit enough to feature.

Stuart Armstrong is unavailable after picking up a knock against the Cherries, while Sekou Mara, Joe Aribo and Jan Bednarek won't be risked against the Dutch side.

Duje Caleta-Car is also unavailable having been granted permission to return to Croatia for the birth of his child.

Speaking to the club's media team ahead of Saturday's friendly, Martin said: "Kamaldeen (Sulemana) is on the grass so he will be fine.

"Stu Armstrong took a knock on Tuesday so he won't be involved but he should be back training on Monday. 

"Sekou Mara, Joe Aribo, Jan Bednarek will all be back in training but not in time for this game.

"Apart from that the squad will be as it was on Tuesday night, albeit Prowsey will be back in the squad which will be nice."

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AZ Alkmaar will be Saints final pre-season opponents before they get the 2023-24 Championship season underway against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, August 4.

"There will be some players that play more minutes now to get them ready for the game next Friday," the former Scotland international added.

"All we are looking for is a bit of progression and learning from Tuesday night.

“The players have been really receptive and pleased with some of the performance and the learning because it was a different test for us (against Bournemouth).

"I think the games have been very varied in pre-season in terms of opposition. 

“That’s been great for us because we have not faced the same team or the same formation which I think will take us a step closer.

"We will hopefully see some more good stuff tomorrow.”