Southampton star Virgil van Dijk could start against Man Utd - Mauricio Pellegrino

SOUTHAMPTON boss Mauricio Pellegrino will find out tomorrow if want-away defender Virgil van Dijk is fit enough to make his first Saints start in nine months against Manchester United this weekend.

Southampton star Virgil van Dijk could start against Manchester United GETTY

Southampton star Virgil van Dijk could start against Manchester United

The Dutch defender has been ruled out since January with an ankle injury but came off the bench for the final three minutes against Crystal Palace last week.

Now Van Dijk, who handed in a transfer request ahead of a proposed move to Liverpool in the summer, will be welcomed back into the squad by Argentine boss Pellegrino.

But the 26-year-old may be set for a frosty reception from the Saints fans at St Mary's Stadium after trying to force through a move.

Liverpool were later forced to apologise to Southampton for their behaviour in the proposed £50m transfer saga.

And Pellegrino is hoping Van Dijk can put it all behind him after impressing since returning to training.

"We will decide tomorrow, but every single week Virgil is important because he is getting better," Pellegrino said.

We will decide tomorrow, but every single week Virgil is important because he is getting better

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino

“After a long period of time without playing a game now he is training well, and it’s good news for us because we need Virgil like every single player in our squad.

“Virgil is an important player for us.

“I think every single week he will improve, but at the same time he needs to play, he needs to train.

“The best training session for me is to play games. Now he is playing in the reserves and 15 minutes is something and he is training well.”

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