Saints fans are sweating on just what the injury is that meant that James Ward Prowse had to return home from the England squad as a precaution, but if he does miss his first game in around two years, Saints can still cope after Danny Ings and Theo Walcott returned to training this week.

Obviously losing James Ward Prowse for this weekend's big game against Burnley would be a blow, a little over two years ago JWP was a player some fans loved to hate, but the arrival of Ralph Hasenhuttl transformed him from a player who was struggling to get in the team under Mark Hughes, to become one of the best and most consistent players in the premier League.

To lose him would be a blow, but the return of both Danny Ings and Theo Walcott would offer options to ensure that his absence would not be missed.

Stuart Armstrong would be the obvious candidate to replace him should he not pass muster, with the Scot moving into a central position from out wide, although another option could be to play Alexandre Jankwewitz.

But for perhaps the first time since before Christmas Ralph is faced with the luxury of having more than just one option for change.

The return of Ings and Walcott gives him a big boost and Saints will be keen to build on recent wins against Bournemouth in the Cup and Sheffield United in the Premier League, victory over Burnley would put Saints on the cusp of safety in the first of three games that will change the season.

Photo: Action Images

Colburn added 12:03 - Apr 1 I think Armstrong playing cdm is a disaster for our attacking play.. If JWP isn't fit, then Jankewitz must play, otherwise what is the point in him being part of the first team squad? How does he develop? Has proved he has something good to offer in his displays over the last two weeks. Alex at cdm if JWP isn't fit is a must for now and the future.
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SanMarco added 12:33 - Apr 1 Is Jankewitz back from the U21 tourney?? I agree with Colburn that Armstrong isn't the answer for the reason he states.
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Consigliere added 09:31 - Apr 2 Conspiracy theory - the manager told him to make sure he felt a little twinge during training to make sure he didn’t get seriously injured in the Poland game?
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Alehouse added 09:48 - Apr 2 JWP can't be considered as one of the best midfielders in the PL until he learns to make space for himself to receive the ball, turn and move it forward, rather than pass it straight back or sideways. His pass completion rates are good, I'd like to see his passing map.
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I_would added 14:48 - Apr 2 Careful Alehouse Prowsey's got half his family posting on the SFC websites. They don't take kindly to reality.
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