Martin to exercise caution with Downes
Southampton manager Russell Martin has issued a positive update on the fitness of Flynn Downes, but reiterated he will need time ahead of his return to the side.
Downes has missed the last three games having been substituted on 33 minutes during the 5-3 win over Huddersfield at the start of February.
This week saw a return to the grass for the midfielder, but the manager will refer to his medical staff before determining how ready his player is.
"Flynn has trained for a couple of days, said Martin, "we just have to assess how he has reacted from today. We'll have a meeting with the medical staff, like we do every week. Then we’ll make a decision.
"Whether he starts, whether he’s on the bench, whether we wait until Liverpool to give him more time. If he’s ready to start, brilliant, if he’s ready for the bench, brilliant, if he’s not we'll give him more time."
Elsewhere with James Bree continuing his recovery with consistent training sessions the only long term absentees remain Juan Larios and Ross Stewart.
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