Southampton are anticipating a long-awaited January return for youngster Tino Livramento.

The full-back has been absent since suffering an ACL injury in April, having started 25 Premier League games last term.

The club are focusing on ensuring the 20-year-old comes back without any pressure or risk, but believe he will be fit for first team action very soon.

“He was in a real real good place and then he picked up a few illness bugs which have set him back," manager Nathan Jones told the Daily Echo ahead of Saints' League Cup clash with Lincoln City.

“He's in a real real good position, looking strong, looking quality. We know we've got a fantastic player on our hands. We've got to be careful with him but we'll push him as safely as possible. He's someone we're desperate to get back.

“It's a January thing but it's just about how he reacts to the tempo, how he reacts to more load. He can be in a wonderful position now, then we load him, and he does certain things, and we have to be careful with him.

“But he's the most wonderful professional, wonderfully diligent young man, and that stands him in good stead to make a full recovery. We'll be pushing that as quickly and as safely as possible."