Will Still removed Joe Aribo & Sam Edozie from his first team squad in terms of both training and availability for selection, but after not moving on during the summer, the Saints manager has confirmed that they are back in contention.

Sam Edozie spent last season away on loan and it was assumed that he wanted to move on this summer, however despite some offers it would seem that none matched what he is on at St Mary's so he stayed put.

Likewise Joe Aribo who although playing a big part last season, starting 21 Premier League games plus another off the bench and scoring 3 goals seemed to also want to move on as he entered the last year of his contract.

But a move for either did not materialise and the Daily Echo has confirmed that Will Still has now brought them back into the squad and in contention for a place in the team.

Asked if both players are available for selection once again, manager Still said:

"Yes, they're back in the squad"

"We all know what the transfer window is like. They had options, they had opportunities that didn't quite materialise and didn't quite happen.

"From day one, we said as long as your head's right and you want to be here, to fight for the club and the team, then you are welcome to be part of it.

"And I've got to say, since they've been back in training, they've been spot on. It's a good thing for us [that they are back in contention]."

This is good news for Southampton supporters, both made big contributions to the promotion campaign in the Championship two years ago, Aribo playing 35 games in the regular season and scoring 4 goals and 1 assist and Edozie with 6 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances.

However they will face more competition for a place now, Still has Shea Charles, Flynn Downes, & new signings Finn Azar & Casper Jander all fighting for a place in the centre of the midfield.

It is the same for Edozie who just a few weeks ago only had Ryan Fraser in competition for a place out wide, but now has new signings Tom Fellows & Leo Scienza.

Edozie has a little more time left on his contract than Aribo as it runs to 2027.

There are some who will pour scorn on this, but the truth is it offers more options to Will Still and not only that but a backstop in that Leo Scienza is an unknown quantity at this level, if he finds the going tough then Edozie could be the answer.

So as I say our squad has just got stronger, with Still confirming that both have been registered in the squad for the Championship.

Whether they are fit enough to be in contention for the big game against Portsmouth is another question though.

All Photos Via Reuters

Jesus_02 added 15:54 - Sep 12 Would have been good financially to get Aribo off the books but you never know when he might be needed. Edozie wise, I think he may have a future in the game but for one reason or another it hasn’t worked out for him. Not a great deal of end product for someone that seems to have obvious talent .
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underweststand added 16:01 - Sep 12 YES - these two may have hoped for opportunities to move, but in the long term it may be a blessing in disguise, whilst we wait for the new recruits to "show up". Although Sam DAJFU and scored a few goals, he was not always first choice, and several times injuries robbed him of a regular run of games. Joe Aribo will be hoping to keep his place in the Nigerian squad prior to the World Cup, but he always put himself about whenever he got game time, and he will be a valuable asset on the bench in the event of injuries, or for a need to change formation. Assuming we are challenging for promotion, (and our new players will deliver the goods), having these two in the squad will do no harm at all. After only 4 league games Will Still needs to look deeper at his various options, but we know what we have with these two.

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Colburn added 16:46 - Sep 12 Glad to see Edozie back involved, I think he was unlucky after injuries to not play more in the promotion season, he would have ended up with a double figure goal tally come the end of the season. He can also get past people with ease and uses every blade and touch line to do his thing. For me, Aribo is lazy, looks like he’s been on McCarthy’s pipe half the time. He makes more effort when his place is in jeopardy so why not play like it all the time. It infuriates me, he could have been better for us last year. Shame we couldn’t get his wages off the books. I’m not quite as concerned about the new recruits as some, they are professionals and will be ready. I really like the look of Jander, there’s real quality and talent there.. Aribo will be 4th of 5th choice in the middle unless he starts pulling up trees.

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Tonyfromdk added 16:49 - Sep 12 Yes, we only have 42 games left. I really hope our manager can sort us out quickly. Otherwise we’re doomed…..
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Monksway added 22:17 - Sep 12 I'm sorry they are still here. Still has a massive squad and players in need of development will struggle for game time. THB/ Stephens will make progression difficult for Edwards, Wood and Quarshie. Similarly Aribo will block Sesay who looks really promising and a good back up to the three regulars - Downes, Charles and Jander. Similarly Edozie who didn't want to be here could block the development of Jay Robinson as a wide attacker. For young players to improve they have to play.

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