Jay Rodriguez to Return for Southampton FC this Season

The twenty five year old forward is attempting to return to action this season for the Saints. The English international was set to play in last summer’s World Cup before tearing his ACL last April in a match against Manchester City.

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Expected to return to the squad earlier this season, Rodriguez was sidelined again with an infection in his knee. Though Southampton FC manager Ronald Koeman did not expect Rodriguez to return this season, the forward has revealed he is ready to make a comeback with the side.

Resuming light training, Rodriguez is targeting matches with the Saint’s U-21 side before joining the senior side in their push for European competition.

Despite the sides push to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Southampton have not pushed Rodriguez back into form. Allowing the player to determine himself when the time was right to rejoin the squad.

With both Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly interested in the English international, Rodriguez’s return to the pitch is crucial not only to his future but the clubs.

While Shane Long has performed well when healthy, injuries this season have sidelined him for most of the campaign. Summer signing Graziano Pelle has started almost every match for Southampton, his form and goal tally has significantly dipped since the start of the season.

Also of interest for the forward will be his future with the England national team. Originally on Roy Hodgson’s World Cup roster, his ACL injury caused him to miss out on a debut World Cup appearance.

A return to form for Southampton could result in a return to the England national team. With the 2016 European Championships a little more than a year away, Rodriguez will be pressed to find the superb form that earned him his spot on the national team.

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Rodriguez’s potential return is also important for Southampton. With the club struggling over the last month to find the back of the net, the return of their star forward could give the side the goal scoring threat it is currently missing.

A return to his former form will also help Southampton in the summer should Ronald Koeman decide to sell the forward. With a value of £20 million already being tossed around by Manchester City, a good return will serve to only increase that total as more clubs become interested in the Englishman.

Though Rodriguez will most likely not be able to immediately return to form, the supporters will be hopeful that his presence will be enough to propel the side back into the top four conversation.

With eight matches remaining in the season, the return of Jay Rodriguez is better late than never. However, is the return a case of too little too late? These final eight matches will be very fun to watch as the Saint attempt to march into the Champions League.

Next: Peter Cech Considering Chelsea Exit

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