MANAGER Russell Martin issued a positive update on Southampton's sidelined trio ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

He insisted Kamaldeen Sulemana, Adam Lallana and Ross Stewart are close to a return having missed varying amounts of pre-season action.

Ghana international Kamaldeen, 22, has not played since he was forced off during Southampton's 2-0 defeat against Oxford United.

Lallana, 36, has not been seen on the pitch since he withdrew from the starting lineup ahead of facing neighbours Eastleigh in the first game of pre-season.

Scottish forward Stewart, 28, has not been involved at all in pre-season and missed their training camp in Girona last month.

Kamaldeen Sulemana was ruled out for three weeks earlier this monthKamaldeen Sulemana was ruled out for three weeks earlier this month (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

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Martin has previously insisted that the former Sunderland man needs to have "a few weeks" of regular training before he can return to match action.

Speaking on Thursday, Martin revealed: “Kamaldeen is nearly fit, Ross Stewart is nearly back in contention, Adam Lallana is nearly back, so they’re in a really good place."

He added: "I feel like we're at a point now where we need the first game to come. I'm not sure what we would work on if we had any more training time. 

"We're really happy with the work we've done and the players just need it to come now. I think everyone does. It'll be nice to get it out of the way."