Saints defender Toby Alderweireld was back on the training pitch today, as he closes in on a return from a hamstring injury.

The on-loan Atletico Madrid star has been absent from the side ever since he was forced off during the 1-0 win away to Manchester United on January 11.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman revealed yesterday that Alderweireld would not be fit for tomorrow's trip to West Bromwich Albion.

However, there is hope that he could feature when Crystal Palace visit St Mary's on Tuesday night.

The prospects of that have been boosted after Saints announced this morning that the 25-year-old is back in training.

 

Alderweireld, who has now missed Saints' last seven matches, also tweeted this morning that he is close to a return.