SAINTS head coach Tonda Eckert revealed Leo Scienza’s fitness is “looking positive” ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.
Brazilian ace Scienza returned to training this week after missing the last three Championship fixtures with a groin issue, and is “desperate” to feature.
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Saints could also call upon Jack Stephens, who is recovering from the knock he sustained in Monday’s open training session at St Mary’s.
The skipper picked up an ankle injury following a collision with fellow centre-back Nathan Wood and hobbled off just before training finished.
“He [Scienza] has put a lot of work into that international break because he’s desperate to come back,” said Eckert.
“He was on the pitch today with the boys, and he’s looking positive.
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“Stephens is getting better day by day. There was a little bit of swelling in his ankle, but he’s getting better every day.”
Saints had six senior players away during the international break, with Cyle Larin returning later than anyone else after travelling to Canada.
Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz returned earlier in the week, while Shea Charles, Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning suffered World Cup heartbreak.
Asked if he had spoken with the trio, Eckert said: “No, and I don’t need to. It’s for them to close that chapter with the national team.
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“The only thing I can do is open up the chapter for Southampton again, and that’s what we’ve been doing. I can tell you they’re ready to go.
“They all look good and ready for that last block of games that’s coming up now. Cyle’s travel has been a little longer than the others’.
“I think they’re all happy to be back in here and ready to go.”
