SAINTS defender Tino Livramento has pictured himself back in training alongside his teammates, over 11 months on from suffering an ACL injury.

The youngster has not featured for the club since coming off at Brighton & Hove Albion last April on a stretcher, following surgery to repair his damaged knee.

Saints had hoped Livramento would make a return to the pitch within the first few months of 2023 but he suffered another setback in his recovery around Christmas.

Livramento, 20, returned to light training with the group before being seen wearing a leg brace and later requiring months more individual conditioning at Staplewood to get back to ball work.

READ MORE: Man banned from football for using abusive language at Saints game

Now, the former Chelsea man has excited supporters by positing a positive update on his personal Instagram account, ‘tagging’ teammate Lyanco with a smiley face emoji.

It remains unclear what timescale is expected for Livramento’s return, with manager Ruben Selles telling the Daily Echo at the beginning of the month that it will still not be soon.

Saints have 10 games left of the Premier League season, which finishes at the end of May, which could mean Livramento makes a return before the close of play.

Livramento does not feature prominently in the club’s own picture gallery for their match preparation, ahead of the visit to West Ham United on Sunday.