Ryan Bertrand will return to Southampton’s first-team squad for their League Cup tie at MK Dons, Ronald Koeman has confirmed.
The Saints travel to stadiummk on Wednesday evening, and the England international looks set to make his first appearance of the season.
Bertrand – who has not featured since playing in England’s 0-0 draw in against Republic of Ireland in June – completed his first 45 minutes of the season in the Saints U21s' 5-2 win against Reading on Monday night at Adams Park.
Ryan Bertrand's last game was for England against Republic of Ireland on 7 June
The left-back – who has played for England on four occasions – missed the pre-season and start of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery in early July.
But his manager has welcomed his return and confirmed he would be involved in the game at MK Dons.
“We know that but little by little he will come back as he gets his time to play”
Ronald Koeman on Ryan Bertrand
"He’s been out for a long time and it’s also difficult because he was out from May and that means no pre-season and a pre-season for a player is a very important part of the season," Koeman told the club’s website.
"We know that but little by little he will come back as he gets his time to play.
"That was good that he got 45 minutes on Monday and he will be part of the squad this Wednesday."
Following the League Cup contest against Karl Robinson's outfit, Southampton welcome Swansea to St. Mary's on Saturday 26 September, before travelling to Bertrand's old club Chelsea seven days later.
