---
source: thedugout.football
generated: 2026-08-26T13:59:46.656Z
last_updated: 2026-08-26T09:57:00+00:00
data_provider: API-Football
canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/southampton/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGFpbHllY2hvLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0L3NhaW50cy9vcGluaW9uLzI2NDk2Mjc3LndhcmQtcHJvd3NlLWxlZnQtd2VzdC1oYW0tc3F1YWQtc291dGhhbXB0b24tcmV0dXJuLz9yZWY9cnNz
---

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

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 26 Aug
- **Club:** Southampton
- **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/opinion/26496277.ward-prowse-left-west-ham-squad-southampton-return/?ref=rss

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.