With Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl holding his pre-Bournemouth press conference yesterday, he does have a couple of potential headaches when it come to first team selection and our current state of play with injuries.
Having effectively ruled out centre-half Jannik Vestergaard in the build-up to this game, Hasenhuttl confirmed that there were also doubts about left back Ryan Bertrand after he picked up an ankle problem in the game against Watford last midweek.
Matt Targett is back in full training though so if he is passed fit, there’s a like for like replacement there and midfielder Stuart Armstrong will also be assessed late on as there’s a doubt over a hamstring issue he has.
Speaking to saintsfc yesterday as he met with the media, he explained.
“Jannik not, that’s for sure. We have a few problems; Ryan Bertrand has something in the ankle area so there’s a question over him. Matt Target is back in team training, that is good for us because he can be a direct replacement. A few other small injuries; Stuart Armstrong has a problem with his hamstring, but Shane Long is fit – he trained today. It looks like he’ll be able to play at the weekend.”
With Long’s more recent form for the club having him back in contention after the earlier worries should be a big bonus as we look to take the win that would mathematically secure our Premier League future for next season.
