Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to have received a huge boost at Southampton during the international break, with Danny Ings pictured in training after recovering from his recent injury problems.
The former Liverpool man has been sidelined since the 2-0 win against Sheffield United earlier in March, missing the defeats against Manchester City and Brighton in the Premier League, as well as the 3-0 FA Cup win against Bournemouth before the international break.
Although the 28-year-old has failed to match his levels of last season, when he finished as joint-second top scorer in the top-flight with 22 goals, he has still managed nine goals and three assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season.
His lack of goals in recent months, after an excellent start to the season, have perhaps been a key factor in the Saints’ poor form since the turn of the year, which has seen them dragged into a relegation battle as they sit just seven points clear of 18th-placed Fulham.
Will Ings rediscover his form?
Yes
No
However, if Ings can stay fit for the rest of the season, you would imagine that any relegation fears will soon be quashed, as his quality up front should be enough to see Hasenhuttl’s side pick up more than enough points in their remaining fixtures.
Their first game after the international break sees Saints take on Ings’ old sign Burnley at St Mary’s and if the England international can make a goalscoring return to the side, then it will hopefully give his teammates a big confidence boost ahead of their remaining top-flight fixtures.
Although Ings, who reportedly earns £75k per week at Southampton, has been heavily linked with a move away from the South Coast ahead of the summer, he will have arguably have to rediscover his form if he wants to earn a move to a Champions League side, which could also prove to be a factor in Southampton turning their poor form around. He might want to get himself in the shop window.
Therefore, Hasenhuttl will surely be delighted to have Ings back fit and will be hoping that he can be a regular in his side for the rest of the season, as if he can rediscover his goalscoring touch then Southampton will quickly distance themselves from the chasing pack.
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