Former Saints captain Ward-Prowse left out of West Ham squad for St Mary

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the 31 year old, who has made two substitite appearances already this season, was fit but not selected.

Espirito Santo told the Daily Echo: "We have to make the list, we have to make the list. Many of our players stayed at Rush Green, and it's normal."

Ward-Prowse moved to the Hammers for £30million three years ago, following the club's relegation to the Championship the first time around.

But the former talisman has endured a stop-start career since, making just 43 league appearances for three different clubs since 2024/25.

No Ward-Prowse even in the squad...#SaintsFC https://t.co/YNjhX655T1

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) August 25, 2026

Espirito Santo bombed Ward-Prowse out of his Nottingham Forest squad while he was on loan at the City Ground, before taking over at West Ham.

The midfielder has often been linked with a move back to Saints, and his potential availability could be interesting to bosses at St Mary's this week.

Saints are still looking for a centre midfielder to replace Shea Charles, who left the club to join Fulham in a deal worth up to £30m earlier in August.

West Ham are tricky negotiators, and the finances required are a stumbling block, but the Irons may lower their asking price by Tuesday's deadline.

Ward-Prowse made 410 appearances after coming through the academy, scoring 55 goals and setting up a further 52 as a Premier League star.