Toby Alderweireld "close" to making Southampton injury return

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that Toby Alderweireld will not feature against West Bromwich Albion this weekend as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Belgian international has been absent since damaging his hamstring against Manchester United last month, which has forced the Saints into reshuffling at the back.

Alderweireld was expected to return within four weeks, although Koeman has confirmed that the 25-year-old is still not ready to make a comeback.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's meeting against West Brom on Saturday, the Dutchman did state that Alderweireld could play a part against Crystal Palace next Tuesday.

"He's the last player who has to come back other than Jay Rodriguez and [Emmanuel] Mayuka," he added. "That's important."

Southampton are currently fifth in the Premier League table.