Michael Svensson could be on the verge of a playing comeback with Southampton despite spending the best part of four years on the sidelines.The Swedish defender, who played in Saints' 2003 FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal, suffered a serious knee injury which sidelined him for the entire 2004/05 season.

His comeback, in October 2005, lasted just seven games and another setback, in the summer of 2006, ruled him out of the next campaign.

Svensson underwent further surgery last summer in a final attempt to salvage his career with Saints providing medical assistance despite his contract having run out, and the 32-year-old has now come through pre-season fitness checks with flying colours.

"It made us very happy that he passed his fitness test and we are looking forward to the next step and hopefully seeing him on the pitch," coach Mark Wotte told Saints' official website.

"If we could get a player of Michael's quality back in the team it would be very helpful. We would love to have him back but we don't want to rush him or set him back."

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