Charlie Austin’s return to the Southampton squad before the end of the season may be the boost they need to help the Saints the secure that top ten finish for a side that’s now got more than its fair share of attacking options.
The former Queen’s Park Rangers striker has been out since December with a shoulder injury, which meant he’s missed not just Southampton’s Premier League run-in but also the English Football League Cup final against Manchester United too.
Austin has been penciled in for a return to competitive football with under 23 squad on May 5th, meaning he could be fully fit for pre-season in the summer and ready to challenge for his place in the side for the next campaign.
It won’t be easy for Austin to get back into the Saints starting XI as Manolo Gabbiadini has been in fine form since arriving at St Mary’s but manager Claude Puel will be glad to have so many options.
Here’s how Southampton fans reacted to news of Austin’s return:
Great to see you back out there, @chazaustin10!#saintsfc pic.twitter.com/1QHGsP9tcX
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 27, 2017
@SouthamptonFC @chazaustin10 Howerver long it felt for you Mr Austin it felt longer for us!!
— David Strover (@The_Strovinator) April 27, 2017
@SouthamptonFC @chazaustin10 CHAZZA
— Matt Foreman (@MattForeman1) April 27, 2017
@SouthamptonFC @chazaustin10 Great to have you back chaz
— Ross (@RossAshworth) April 27, 2017
@SouthamptonFC @chazaustin10 “Part of the 1st team again” … you’ll have to knock @Mgabbia23 off his perch first.
— Lol Splat (@lolsplat) April 27, 2017
@SouthamptonFC @chazaustin10 Good to see@chazaustin10 back in training, hopefully come back better than ever
— Dell1977 (@Andy261971) April 27, 2017