Fraser Forster in line for early Southampton return, says Ronald Koeman
Friday 6 November 2015 10:51, UK
Fraser Forster could be back in action with Southampton before the turn of the year, some four months ahead of schedule.
The England international has already started light training as he continues his recovery from patellar tendon knee surgery suffered in the Premier League victory over Burnley in March.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes the former Newcastle and Celtic goalkeeper could be back in full training "in four or five weeks".
Southampton initially thought Forster may be on the sidelines for an entire year, but the 27-year-old has made impressive progress through an arduous rehabilitation programme.
"He's doing very well, everything is going to plan and it is fast," Koeman said.
"I don't want to say he will be back in four weeks but it's going good. He could be part of the group in four or five weeks."
Forster joined Southampton from Celtic for £10m in August 2014, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper under Koeman before his long-term injury.
His impending return to fitness will provide a boost to country as well as club, with the keeper's availability bolstering England manager Roy Hodgson's resources.
"He has worked very hard and is already training with Dave Watson, and that's real goalkeeper sessions," Koeman added.
"Everybody is happy with how he is and that he's recovering well. We know it takes a long time to recover to 100 per cent but he will come back.
"He's coming back from April which is a long time. He needs continued training and his first game will be in the Under-21s.
"That's the same for everybody, goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders. Everybody plays in the Under-21s first."
