Southampton manager, Russell Martin has expressed the significant impact of Joe Aribo’s absence during his international duty with Nigeria.

Aribo, who was away participating in AFCON 2023, returned to contribute with a goal in Southampton’s 2-1 home defeat against Hull City on Tuesday.

Martin, pleased with the Midfielder’s recent performances off the bench, and anticipates increased involvement from the 27-year-old midfielder in upcoming games.

“Amazing. We have missed him so much and he showed that the other night,” he told Daily Echo via Southampton FC news.

“I think he is ready to start games now, although he has been away for a while.

“He is a huge player for us and you can see why he wore the armband for us.”

The former Rangers and Charlton Athletics player has now scored two goals in 22 appearances for Southampton this season.