SAINTS defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is back in training with the team following his recovery from a dislocated shoulder.
The 20-year-old German international was substituted in the first-half of an eventual 1-1 draw with West Ham United just over two weeks ago.
Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed the youngster was looking to avoid surgery for the concern, which would have meant a much lengthier layoff.
Speaking last month, he said: “It is not so sure which direction we will go with him, if he will need surgery or if he does it without.
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“I think he wants to try it without and mobilising the shoulder and then coming back maybe, I don't know in two weeks or three weeks. Otherwise, it would take longer.”
There is always the risk that he needs further treatment should the injury reoccur, but Bella-Kotchap has returned to training ahead of the visit from Newcastle United.
Whether Hasenhuttl throws him straight back into the team is yet to be seen, while Romeo Lavia and Samuel Edozie are also training with the group.
Kyle Walker-Peters remains sidelined with a hamstring concern and Tino Livramento continues his recovery with 2023 the target.
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