Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that duo Graziano Pelle and Matt Targett are both doubtful ahead of his side’s huge clash at Manchester United this Saturday, as the pair face late fitness tests that will determine their availability for the Saints.
Powerful Southampton forward Pelle has been struggling with injuries and fitness as of late, with his last start for the Saints coming in their 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham in mid-December, after taking injections in his right knee to enable him to play. However, in hindsight, the decision to risk Pelle for a further game that Southampton ended up losing anyway was a poor decision as the damage has caused his to miss a series of matches.
The 30-year-old made his return to the Saints side against Watford for a short 15 minute spell off the bench as his side cruised to a 2-0 victory, but the Italian international was an unused substitute in Southampton’s recent 3-0 dominance of West Brom.
However, despite naming Pelle on the bench for Saints’ last two outings, Koeman was coy regarding the experienced forward’s fitness levels:
We have some small problems with players like Graziano, if he is really fit to be part of the team.
As well as Pelle, Saints youngster Matt Targett will also face a battle in order to be fit for his side’s trip to Old Trafford after boss Koeman confirmed that the 20-year-old was feeling some stiffness in his legs after he played out two full games in four days at a more advanced and physically demanding position of left wing-back.
Matthew Targett had some little stiffness about last weekend, and tomorrow we have our final session, then we make those kind of decisions.
Targett has been in the form of his life on the left flank for Southampton as they have operated the England Under-21 international as a wing-back, allowing him more freedom going forward and less pressure defensively; a tactic that Ronald Koeman has been reaping the rewards from as of late.
Targett found Shane Long with an outstanding cross to open the scoring against Watford two weeks ago, before adding his second assist in as many games by being bundled over by West Brom defender Craig Dawson in the penalty area, only for fellow academy graduate James Ward-Prowse to convert from 12-yards.
Whether the duo will be included in the Saints squad ahead of their clash against United is unclear, however it will be a big boost if they are part of Koeman’s plans heading into the game.
