Ronald Koeman has revealed that Ryan Bertrand is closer to a return to action that was first anticipated, which is good news for Saints supporters.

Ryan Bertrand was expected to miss the first few weeks of the Premier League season after minor operations on both of his knees, although not serious he was nt expected to return to training till after the Premier League had kicked off meaning that his actual return to playing in the side would have been nearer the end of the month.

But Ronald Koeman has revealed that Bertrand is nearing return to full training and could be ready for a place on the bench sooner than later as he effectively has to begin pre season fitness training now.

“He is close to being on the bench," said Koeman.

“He’s still not training with the rest of the players. He needs more time.

“He looks like he will be back faster than we thought in the beginning.”

Good news for Saints fans, however it is not the defensive crisis that some would have you believe, Matt Targett is more than good enough for the Premier League and Cuco Martina is very experienced.

Of course Bertrand is a vital member of the Saints sde having been voted into the PFA Premier League side last season by his peers and in my opinion the Saints Player of the season, but in the sort term we can cope and tht is perhaps a measure of hoe Ronald Koeman has been building not just a team but a squad this ummer.

Photo: Action Images

Zambucco added 14:52 - Jul 30 I did notice that he didn't mention him as an injury in his Saints video yesterday
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