Will Still removed Joe Aribo & Sam Edozie from his first team squad in terms of both training and availability for selection, but after not moving on during the summer, the Saints manager has confirmed that they are back in contention.
Sam Edozie spent last season away on loan and it was assumed that he wanted to move on this summer, however despite some offers it would seem that none matched what he is on at St Mary's so he stayed put.
Likewise Joe Aribo who although playing a big part last season, starting 21 Premier League games plus another off the bench and scoring 3 goals seemed to also want to move on as he entered the last year of his contract.
But a move for either did not materialise and the Daily Echo has confirmed that Will Still has now brought them back into the squad and in contention for a place in the team.
Asked if both players are available for selection once again, manager Still said:
"Yes, they're back in the squad"
"We all know what the transfer window is like. They had options, they had opportunities that didn't quite materialise and didn't quite happen.
"From day one, we said as long as your head's right and you want to be here, to fight for the club and the team, then you are welcome to be part of it.
"And I've got to say, since they've been back in training, they've been spot on. It's a good thing for us [that they are back in contention]."
This is good news for Southampton supporters, both made big contributions to the promotion campaign in the Championship two years ago, Aribo playing 35 games in the regular season and scoring 4 goals and 1 assist and Edozie with 6 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances.
However they will face more competition for a place now, Still has Shea Charles, Flynn Downes, & new signings Finn Azar & Casper Jander all fighting for a place in the centre of the midfield.
It is the same for Edozie who just a few weeks ago only had Ryan Fraser in competition for a place out wide, but now has new signings Tom Fellows & Leo Scienza.
Edozie has a little more time left on his contract than Aribo as it runs to 2027.
There are some who will pour scorn on this, but the truth is it offers more options to Will Still and not only that but a backstop in that Leo Scienza is an unknown quantity at this level, if he finds the going tough then Edozie could be the answer.
So as I say our squad has just got stronger, with Still confirming that both have been registered in the squad for the Championship.
Whether they are fit enough to be in contention for the big game against Portsmouth is another question though.