Saints could be almost back to full strength for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday, but there is one new injury in the Saints camp.

Ryan Bertrand returns to contention for the squad on Saturday, although Caude Puel has yet to assess whether his fitness levels are up to starting the match or indeed a place on the bench and it could be that he is given a little more time rather than be rushed back too soon, with the club preferring that the left back is fit and raring to go for the visit of Arsenal than for the Black Cats.

Good news on Oriol Romeu who will also be ready to return after being forced off so early in the game at Old Trafford last week.

One player missing though will be Jeremy Pied who has picked up a knee injury that could keep him out for several weeks.

Speaking at today's press conference Puel said.

Ryan Bertrand has recovered and it’s important that he can come back into the team because he is an experienced player,”

“We will see on Friday if he is ready for the squad. He came back to training sessions this week and we will see if he can participate for this game."

“Oriol is okay. It was an injury about five minutes into the last game and it was a shame to lose him for that match."

“But Oriol seems to be okay and he will be ready for Saturday’s game.”

Saints will however be without right-back Jérémy Pied, after the French right back picked up an injury in midweek.

“Jérémy has a problem with his knee. We will see how he is for the next few weeks."

“It’s a pity and shame to lose him, but he must recover and be ready to play. All of the other players are present for this game.”

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