Southampton striker Charlie Austin is back in training following three months on the sidelines because of a hamstring injury, and Saints fans are desperately hoping he will be fit for their crucial clash against fellow relegation contenders West Ham United on March 31.

The centre-forward, who is rated at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, is still the south coast outfit's top scorer in all competitions this season with six goals despite his absence, and has often looked to be their biggest goal threat when he has been on the pitch.

While Manolo Gabbiadini had two great chances to score against Wigan Athletic on Sunday, club-record signing Guido Carrillo was largely anonymous and is without a goal in his first nine appearances for Saints, leaving the St Mary's faithful unimpressed.

Southampton supporters have been quick to have their say on the potential return of Austin via social media, and while one said "hopefully Austin is fit for West Ham", another said "Austin is apparently looking to be back for some minutes in the West Ham which will be crucial".

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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