Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has returned to training
Friday 11 December 2015 09:01, UK
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has returned to training as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The England international has not played since undergoing surgery in March, and there were initial fears he would be ruled out for a year with the injury.
But Saints boss Ronald Koeman revealed in November that Forster was close to stepping up his recovery.
And Koeman confirmed on Thursday that the 27-year-old had now participated in drills alongside Southampton's other 'keepers.
"Fraser is back in some sessions last week but needs still more time to be ready," Koeman said.
"He did some parts of the sessions with the rest of the goalkeepers."
The former Celtic stopper could return to action in January, when the transfer window reopens and Koeman can add to a squad that has failed to win any of the past four fixtures.
Koeman does not expect to be overly active next month, although he once again reiterated Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama will not be leaving St Mary's.
Saints have only scored four times in their past five matches and striker Jay Rodriguez could still be four weeks away from a return to full training following foot surgery.
And the Southampton manager hinted that he may target attacking reinforcements in January.
"We are looking, always we are looking at what we can do to make the squad stronger than we have," said Koeman.
"It's not about doing many changes in the team. If we need somebody I think it will be an offensive player and the rest I think we have good competition in our squad. We know that nobody is for sale.
"If we don't spend that money, it has a reason. It's all about money. It's not that we don't spend that money and we keep £50m and we don't touch that money. No, we do the best and we do the maximum to get the best squad that we can.
"If other teams have more money, it's okay for them. But we can't compare that because that's about the financial situation of every club. If they spend more - maybe they have the money, maybe not and they will have a problem in the future.
"We work like Southampton and we know we have enough clever people in the board of the club to make that finance decision - what is possible and what is not possible."
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