Austin set for return to action

After sustaining a hamstring tear in December, Austin has had to watch Southampton's decline from the sofa in his living room. No stranger to injuries, Austin looks to be nearing the end of his road to recovery. 

Discussing the striker's fitness state, new Saints boss Mark Hughes said: "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."

"He is very, very close and we are very pleased with where he is," the Welsh manager added. 

Hughes will know just how instrumental Austin might be to Saints' bid for survival this season. Sat in the depths of the Premier Leeague, two points from safety, Southampton travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham on Saturday in what has been billed as a relegation six-pointer. 

Southampton have struggled for goals recently with Manolo Gabbiadini lacking in confidence and record-signing Guido Carrillo appearing to have left his shooting boots on the French Riviera. With 6 goals this season, Austin is still Southampton's top scorer, despite missing months of gametime through injury. 

Hughes will be hoping big Chaz will fall straight back into scoring form when he steps back out onto pitch.