The 27-year-old has been injured for Southampton for five months following damage to his shoulder in a Europa League game.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin scores their second goal
Southampton have been given a timely boost in their quest to finish as high as possible in the Premier League following news that star striker Charlie Austin could feature against Arsenal in Saints’ next Premier League match, as reports the Daily Echo.
The 27-year-old, who has scored nine in 19 matches for Southampton this season, had been on the sidelines for five months following a shoulder injury he picked up against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in December, ruling him out of the League Cup final as a result.
However, Austin recently made his return to footballing matters in an U23 match against Manchester City’s equivalent, and Saints boss Claude Puel now has the option to bring the former Queens Park Rangers striker back into the fold.
Austin’s return is rather timely for 10th placed Southampton, who have found goals hard to come by this season, with just 39 goals scored in 34 matches – six of which have come from Austin himself.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin scores their first goal from the penalty spot
They are the most profligate team in the top 10, with only five other sides in the entire division scoring less than Puel’s outfit, though the Saints can still realistically finish as high as eighth with four games left to play.
Southampton, without a win in four now, will host Arsenal on Wednesday before making the lengthy trip up to recently relegated Middlesbrough at the weekend, and Saints fans will be hoping Austin features in at least one of those matches.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin celebrates scoring their first goal
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