Southampton boss Mark Hughes has revealed that Charlie Austin is "very, very close" to returning to action.
Austin, 28, has not played for Southampton since tearing his hamstring in the latter stages of 2017.
The Saints have slipped down the Premier League table in the striker's absence, but he has recently returned to training ahead of a potential return against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
Hughes is "hopeful" that Austin will be able to play some part against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
"We need to get him on the pitch. He's done some good work and we're pleased with where he is, but clearly if he's not available this weekend then we would like to think he will be certainly available for the following games," Hughes told reporters.
"He is very, very close and we are very pleased with where he is. I think Charlie himself, more importantly, is pleased and assured in his own mind that he is ready to come back. We're hopeful. I think he's very keen to be involved.
"It was a significant injury, so he's done exceptionally well to get back as quickly as he has done. But clearly he's a goalscorer, and one of our problems this year has been our ability to score consistently in games."
Austin has scored six goals in five Premier League starts this season.
Matt Law
