Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has revealed that key centre-back Virgil van Dijk is nearing a first-team return for the Saints.

The Netherlands international has not represented Southampton’s first team since picking up an ankle injury in January, but has turned out for the club’s Under-23 side this term.

Van Dijk has made the bench for the club’s last couple of matches, although he is yet to feature under new manager Pellegrino.

The Southampton head coach refused to confirm whether the 26-year-old would start Saturday’s Premier League clash with Stoke City, but revealed that the centre-back was improving with each passing week.

Pellegrino told reporters, in quotes published on Southampton’s official website:

“Little by little, every single week, he’s getting better. Physically he looks fresher and with better timing, but the first game back it will be difficult to see the best version of Virgil.

“Because normally after eight months you need some games, but I am happy with his attitude, every single week he’s getting better.”

Van Dijk, who is valued at £30m by transfermarkt.co.uk, was linked with a move away from Southampton during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool were said to have expressed the strongest interest in Van Dijk, but Southampton refused to part with the former Celtic defender.