Southampton receive major fitness boost ahead of facing Newcastle

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Newcastle United take on Southampton this weekend, and the Saints have received a big fitness boost ahead of the game at St Mary’s.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be desperate for a win, as they currently sit tentatively above the relegation zone in 17th position.

It has been a difficult season for the Saints so far, and it won’t get any easier when an in-form Newcastle arrive on the South Coast.

Eddie Howe’s team take on Southampton on Sunday live on Sky Sports, where they will look to make it four wins on the bounce.

As for Southampton, they will be looking to move away from the bottom three with victory over the Magpies. And they might have a key player back within their ranks.

Hasenhuttl has been without Armel Bella-Kotchap for the past three games. The centre-back was forced off against West Ham with a shoulder injury, and hasn’t been seen since. Until now…

Bella-Kotchap returns to hand Southampton a big fitness boost

Southampton have released training photos ahead of the game against Newcastle. And the 20-year-old has been pictured taking part.

That is a huge boost for them, as Bella-Kotchap has been an important player since his summer arrival. He was part of an interesting recruitment drive at St Mary’s, that saw multiple youngsters with untapped potential arrive at the club.

The youngster joined from Bochum, and has been a regular starter for Hasenhuttl despite his inexperience. But he has massively impressed, and even earned his first ever cap with Germany.

A dislocated shoulder has forced him to miss three games, but now Bella-Kotchap is back and in contention to return against Newcastle.

They will be desperate for him to feature, but even he might not be enough to stop this Newcastle team.

Howe’s team will arrive at St Mary’s full of confidence, with key players operating at the top of their game. However, there will be no Joelinton due to injury. But that could give Allan Saint-Maximin the chance to start his first game since August.

I’m sure a returning Bella-Kotchap will be delighted at that prospect…