Fraser Forster could return ahead of schedule from knee injury

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster could return earlier than anticipated from the patellar tendon rupture he sustained last March, says his manager Ronald Koeman.

Initial fears suggested the England international could be out until as late as April, but the Saints gaffer is pleased with what is a speedy recovery so far.

"He's doing very good," Koeman told the club website. "Everything is going to plan, it is fast. I don't say he will be back in four weeks but it's looking good."

The 27-year-old is already training with his coach at both club and country, Dave Watson, and has tweeted out a picture announcing his impending comeback.

"Everybody is happy how he is and how he is recovering well," Koeman continued. "We know it is a long time and it takes time to recover 100 percent. He will come back."

Forster's injury was something of a freak accident, as he landed awkwardly on his knee during the early stages of a match against Burnley last season. The former Celtic shot stopper's return to action will be with the Under-21 squad, but Koeman is looking to draft him into the first 11 as soon as possible.

"Fraser is a great goalkeeper. We need him tomorrow, not in the future. We need everybody. We have a good squad, for the tough Premier League.

"(We hope) he can be part of the group in four, five weeks."

Maarten Stekelenburg is expected to continue to deputise for Southampton in the trip to Sunderland on Saturday, with the south coast outfit currently occupying seventh spot in the division.