DEFENDER Juan Larios is hopeful of playing a game "soon" after over 600 days since his last Saints outing.

He has joined Southampton for their pre-season training camp in his home country Spain, but Russell Martin insisted he is not ready to play games yet.

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

He suffered an injury setback last season which saw him miss the entire Championship campaign. 

The left-back remains optimistic about a return to fitness soon but stressed his focus is on ensuring he can return to action.

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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."

Larios was speaking to Southampton's media team after a training session under the scorching Spanish sun.

"It was hard because it's always harder with the heat, but it's nice to be with the boys, training and keep building," he added.

"It's so good (to be back in Spain). Even if it's hot, I enjoy this weather so much. It's nice."