Claude Puel has given an injury update on Virgil van Dijk, revealing that the defender is making encouraging progress ahead of a return in pre-season.
The Dutch international has been sidelined with a foot injury since January and will not feature again this campaign, but Puel explained that he is beginning to step up his recovery.
"It was a bad injury for him and for us, because it was not a good moment,” said the Saints boss.
"It was difficult after the departure of José Fonte to West Ham and just in the same time we had the injury of Virgil – it was difficult for us.
"It’s a good thing to see for the second part of the season Stephens and Yoshida at this level, but for Virgil it was a bad injury.
"Now it’s ok. His surgery is finished, he can work normally, he can start in the gym the work to come back for next season, ready for next season with us."