Tadic closing in on Saints return

Dusan Tadic has not featured in a Southampton shirt since early November but manager Claude Puel won’t be rushing the midfielder back until he’s in the right shape.

The 28-year-old playmaker has been wearing a protective mask in training over the past few days after breaking his nose whilst on international duty with Serbia.

Puel is keen to have Tadic back in the mix but with a Premier League clash against Middlesbrough on Sunday ahead of a busy festive period, the Frenchman wants his talisman to be 100 per cent ready.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“He has come back into the training sessions for a few days and it’s important he continues to work, because he had three weeks without training sessions,” Puel said.

“It’s a long time and it’s important he can come back with a good physical level to help the team.”

And despite fixtures coming thick and fast for the Saints, Puel is not complaining about the hectic December schedule.

“To play every three days is a pleasure. Of course, it’s difficult,” he added.

“We can see this from the last game against Crystal Palace, but all the squad prefer to play many games than have training sessions.”