Southampton welcome back key defender as race for survival heats up

Tino Livramento made his return to action with the Southampton reserve side against Stoke City in the Premier League 2 on Friday.

The 20-year-old has been out of action for over a year after suffering an ACL injury in April 2022.

Nevertheless, he is nearing a return to first-team action and played 45 minutes during a 2-0 win at Staplewood Campus last weekend.

James Bree and 18-year-old Dom Ballard scored goals in a 2-0 victory over Stoke City, which was also comprised of Adam Armstrong and James Bree.

The victory secured the B-team’s place in the Premier League 2 play-off places.

The England youth international joined the club from Chelsea in the summer of 2021 and had a promising start to life at St Marys.

He made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Chelsea notably still have a £50m buy-back clause with the young defender.

Meanwhile, Southampton fell deeper into the Premier League relegation fight with another defeat, this time, at home to Crystal Palace.

Two goals from midfielder Eberechi Eze secured all three points for the Eagles and left Southampton rooted to the foot of the table.