'Not expecting him to play 90 minutes' - Will Still hints at Aribo's return to Southampton squad

Southampton manager Will Still has hinted that Joe Aribo could make a long-awaited return to the matchday squad when the Saints face Preston North End in the EFL Championship on Saturday.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Still confirmed that the Nigerian midfielder is back in contention after a lengthy spell out of the team.

Aribo had sought a move away from St Mary's during the summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise.

Consequently, he has not featured in a single matchday squad this season, having also played very little during pre-season, a situation that has left him short of match fitness.

Still revealed that the Super Eagles star remains part of his plans and could be handed an opportunity to re-establish himself in the coming days. 

"One hundred percent the door is not closes. If Joe wants to play, wants to be important, he will," Still told reporters.

"He's been good in training, since the start, but like I said there's like a rule where things have happened, things have been said, and he needs to wait for that opportunity to come, and that opportunity might very well be this Saturday."

While Still is optimistic about Aribo's reintegration, he cautioned against expecting the midfielder to play a full game given his lack of competitive minutes.

"I think he knows what his body is like and how it works, and how he can manage himself. 

"But if he does start, I'm not expecting him to play a full ninety minutes because that would be kind of dreamy. 

"We will be pragmatic and we will use him, how and when we need to use him. He's a fantastic player, he's a good guy, very humble, and we need everyone to be in that direction.”

Aribo, who joined Southampton from Scottish Premiership side Rangers in July 2022, has made 124 appearances in the English Football League, including the playoffs.

The Charlton Athletic Academy graduate is under contract with the Saints until June 2026.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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