The Serbian international has been out of action since breaking his nose on international duty.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference and quoted by the club’s official website, Southampton manager Claude Puel has said that influential midfielder Dusan Tadic could make his comeback from injury in Thursday night’s crunch Europa League tie against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Saints need to avoid defeat at St Mary’s to progress to the knockout rounds, and Puel has a big decision to make on whether to include the 28-year-old.
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic has a shot at goal
“He has come back into the training sessions for a few days and we will see if he can come back into the group for Thursday’s game, or perhaps for Sunday. I don’t know at the moment,” he said.
“It’s important he continues to work, because he had three weeks without training sessions. It’s a long time and it’s important he can come back with a good physical level to help the team,” Puel added.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
The Frenchman also confirmed that Matt Targett and Alex McCarthy will both remain on the sidelines due to injury as Saints look to qualify in second place behind Sparta Prague in Group K.
Tadic has not featured for Southampton since the defeat at Hull prior to November’s international break, during which he broke his nose in Serbia’s draw with Wales in Cardiff.
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic in action with Inter Milan’s Gary Medel
The midfielder is likely to have to wear a face mask when he does make his return, with Puel having to decide whether he feels the players he has at his disposal will be enough to see off the challenge of the Israeli side.
Puel has used the Europa League to rotate his squad so far – to the frustration of Jose Fonte – but is likely to field as strong a side as possible to ensure qualification on Thursday.
Who should start for Saints? Will they get the result they need? Leave your thoughts and predictions below.
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