The injury to Cedric Soares last weekend against Tottenham was surprising, to say the least, and the Portuguese international is expected to continue his stay on the injury table.
#SaintsFC manager Ralph Hasenhüttl has confirmed @OficialCedric will not be fit for Sunday’s #CFC game.https://t.co/kIvFRGeil7
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 4, 2019
Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Chelsea on Sunday that Cedric via the club’s official Twitter account that the right-back will be unavailable for selection.
However, many Saints fans on social media saw the news as an opportunity for Yan Valery to make a return to the first-team after being largely underused for the majority of this season.
As figures from Transfermarkt show, the French youngster has made just three appearances all season despite seemingly taking the number one right-back spot last campaign after breaking through into the first-team.
With Cedric injured, though, many fans on social media saw the setback as an opportunity for Valrey to return to the starting XI against Chelsea.
Here is what Southampton fans had to say about Valery replacing Cedric…
With Cedric not fit, then I hope & pray that Ralph doesn’t mess around yet again.
Not Jwp at RWB, not Danso at RB.
Please play Valery. #Saintsfc
— Josh Richards (@JoshR1988) October 4, 2019
@yan_valery has got to start at RB. #NoExcuses #SaintsFC
— Saints Mike (@Saints_Mike7167) October 4, 2019
Nooooo you HAVE to play Valery then!
— Rob (@rjcSFC) October 4, 2019
@yan_valery then please Ralph
— Chris (@cj_garrett) October 4, 2019
Southampton fans were praying Valery was handed the starting XI spot on Sunday…
Let’s hope Valery plays RB then
— Oscar Reed (@Fubilliicious) October 4, 2019
Under no circumstances should Ward Prowse play at right back
— Harry Stokes (@HarryStokes_93) October 4, 2019
Shame for Cedric as he’s been in great form. Let’s hope he plays @yan_valery rather than a left winger or centre back… #SaintsFC
— DTagg64 (@DTagg64) October 4, 2019
Cedric out for Sunday. No messin around Ralph. Valery shaped peg in a Valery shaped hole please. #saintsfc
— Ralph’s Revolution (@saintbannerman) October 4, 2019