SAINTS boss Russell Martin revealed Juan Larios is "in a good place" following his return to action with the under-21s.

The Spanish defender played 45 minutes on Saturday during Southampton's 2-1 win at non-league Chippenham Town.

Larios, 20, has not made a senior appearance since November 2022 when he was injured playing for Saints in the Premier League.

He returned to action with the under-21s in March 2023 but lasted just 12 minutes in a Premier League 2 game against Nottingham Forest.

It has taken him 16 months to make another appearance although he has been training with the senior team since the end of last season.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "Juan played for the Under-21s today (Saturday). That was his first 45 minutes in a long time, which is really good for him. Juan's been great.

"He's joined in most of the training because he had an extended spell at the end of last season where he was back but not quite fully training. He's in a good place."

Larios travelled to Girona for Southampton's warm weather training camp last week but did not feature in either friendly.

The plan was for Larios to make his on-field return with the under-21s as he continues to return to full fitness.

Speaking to Southampton's media team in Spain, Larios explained that he is focused on the present rather than looking towards the future.

He said: "I'm feeling good and strong in the legs. Hopefully, it can keep going like this. I'm going to keep going and training.

"Hopefully, I can play a game soon. I'm working, training day to day without thinking too much (into the future). I'm happy that I'm going to be (back) soon."