Northern Ireland international and club skipper Steven Davis has received another injury blow in the season of 2017/18.
Having made a return to first-team action following his spell on the sidelines in the Premier League bore draw against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium earlier this month, Davis was missing from the matchday eleven for the FA Cup clash with Chelsea but many presumed that was fitness level based owing to the nature of the tie.
#SaintsFC's @StevenDavis8 has been ruled out of this weekend's #PL showdown with #AFCB: https://t.co/md5G3ZnVBc
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 26, 2018
However, it seems that may not be the case as manager Mark Hughes told saintsfc as he met with the media to preview the upcoming game, that the 33-year-old was unavailable for selection this weekend in the tie against Bournemouth.
#SaintsFC boss Mark Hughes reveals that @StevenDavis8 will be out at the weekend due to an achilles problem: https://t.co/W8TUCvBxiB
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 26, 2018
Additionally, no timespan has been placed on a potential return for the experienced and influential player.
“Steven Davis is, unfortunately, struggling with his Achilles again, which is an irritant to us and him. We’ll have to see where we go with it. Our fixtures have been difficult since I’ve been here, one home game, so it’s not been easy. Clearly now we need performances and results.”
MH: "We're pleased with what @chazaustin10 is showing. Given a run of games he will always score goals, he has done right throughout his career. He's great around the dressing room too." #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/BBMGEwkfTj
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 26, 2018
Hughes can welcome back Jack Stephen’s as he has now completed his three-game ban following the red card he received in the game against Arsenal and Hughes also had positive words for striker Charlie Austin as we go into a ‘must win’ set of fixtures.
“Charlie is fine, he’s available. We’re pleased with what he’s showing. He’s a guy that will create chances and test goalkeepers, that is what we need. Given a run of games, Charlie will always score goals!”
We’re in to the “desperate 💩 or bust” stage of the season. #Saintsfc
— 🔴Paul⚪️ (@happyhoppy66) April 26, 2018
Little too late.. if we don’t win against Bournemouth then we’ve got no hope. 4 points from safety 😬😬
— Andy (@Mayes_Sfc) April 26, 2018