Jay Rodriguez could return to first team training in a week’s time.

The 26-year-old has not figured since October after his return from knee surgery was cut short by a foot problem which also needed an operation.

Rodriguez’s rehabilitation has been going well and Saints boss Ronald Koeman is optimistic that the striker will be back in the squad soon.

“He’s still working on an individual programme but I have good hope he will be part of the group in one week or ten days,” said Koeman.

When asked whether Rodriguez would need to play for the under-21s before being considered for the first team he replied: “Yes normally. At least one game.”

Saints will have Charlie Austin available for a home debut in the game against West Ham after he recovered from the knock that kept him out of the goalless draw at Arsenal.

Matt Targett is unavailable while Steven Davis is touch and go after his hamstring problem.

Koeman reported: “Matthew Targett is not fit. He got an ankle injury in the training sessions. It’s not a big issue but he’s not available.

“We get Charlie Austin back and Steven Davis had the last two days good training sessions, but is doubtful. About Steven when I have a talk to the player and the medical staff we will take that final decision.”

Koeman is likely to stick with a back four for this evening’s match with the Hammers after keeping another clean sheet against Arsenal.

He will also probably stick with Sadio Mane, despite his current lack of confidence in front of goal.

“What I mention is that he is working hard but he needs to improve in that final part to attack,” said Koeman of Mane.

“That’s for Saido and for all the strikers about the productivity of the strikers.

“If Davis is coming back, Charlie is coming back, Pelle is back, maybe in two or three weeks maybe Jay Rodriguez will come back, that’s a lot of competition for them.

“Finally, as the manager, you choose for the best options to start and it’s up to the players.”

Whoever starts, Koeman knows Saints might have to handle the threat of Andy Carroll, whose introduction from the bench changed the shape of the game at Upton Park.

“I think he had a big impact in the second half, but it’s also about our own way and how we deal with the second half,” admitted Koeman.

“We lost more balls, we had very good ball possession first half and the key was we had fantastic pressing to them.

“That will be important, even with Carroll on the pitch or not.

“If he is on the pitch they will play more direct and it’s difficult to have good defending against that kind of players.”