Striker nearing first-team return ahead of Southampton's home match against Arsenal on Wednesday

Claude Puel is happy the return to fitness of Charlie Austin will give Southampton greater possibilities in attack, and Saints' manager says he will have no hesitation in throwing the striker straight back into the starting XI.

"It’s a good thing – I have a choice," Puel said following the striker's first appearance after a shoulder injury for the club's Premier League 2 side last Friday.

"But it’s important to see every time the possibility to play in a good rhythm and intensity and if I decide he can bring something for the team I will not hesitate.”

Puel reported no fresh injury concerns for Wednesday's home meeting with Arsenal as Southampton look to win three consecutive home Premier League matches against the Gunners for the first time.

See: Puel's Van Dijk update

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