The Japan international helped his country to the Asian Cup final but is now back to boost the Saints’ Premier League survival hopes.
Southampton have been boosted by the return of Maya Yoshida from Asian Cup duty after he helped Japan reach the final of the competition.
The Saints defender captained the Blue Samurai to the showpiece encounter in the United Arab Emirates, where they had the chance to win their fifth Asian Cup.
However, Yoshida and his nation would have to settle for silver medals as Qatar, who host the 2022 World Cup, won the trophy for the first time.
Southampton have remained unbeaten in the Premier League since the turn of the year, but there were questions after they conceded a late penalty to against Burnley last time out.
The man who gave away the spot kick, which allowed Ashley Barnes to equalise in the 94th minute, was Jack Stephens, who has been deputising for Yoshida in the Saints starting XI.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s league home game against Cardiff City, a crucial relegation six-pointer, Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed Yoshida is back and raring to go (official website).
Southampton’s official Twitter account also tweeted a photo of Yoshida back in training, which prompted a largely positive reaction from some of the Saints fanbase on Twitter:
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