Mario Lemina’s start to his Galatasaray career got off to a somewhat predictable if unfortunate start.
The midfielder made his debut on Friday night as the Turkish giants locked horns with Kasimpasa.
Lemina started the match and showed glimpses of quality as he began to find his feet in action for his new club. However, after just half an hour, he was forced off with what appeared to have been a stomach injury.
Saints fans will remember the Gabon international’s lengthy absence in the middle of last season, which was also prompted by surgery on an abdominal issue.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the 25-year-old was quick to allay concerns over his condition. He said:
Right now, I feel physically well. I felt nauseous during the match, sometimes things happen. I’m fine now, I’m fine. I had a really good game. This will continue in the future.
However, whether or not he has fully recovered remains to be seen. It seems Lemina is now in a race against time to be fit for Galatasaray’s clash against Club Brugge in their first group stage fixture of the Champions League on Wednesday night…
Read Southampton’s verdict
It’s never nice to see a player suffer from injuries, and although he acted rather childishly throughout the summer transfer window, it doesn’t really benefit anyone if Lemina is unable to compete for Galatasaray.
He’s likely to be a key player for the Turkish side this season, and as such, he will be desperate to prove himself on the Champions League stage after angling for a step up from Southampton.
However, if obstacles continue to stop him and he is unable to truly show just what he is capable of, another frustrating year could await Lemina.
Ultimately, we need to get him off our books, and we’ve got a better chance of doing that if he shines at Galatasaray. Hopefully, he can get back to full fitness and earn himself a permanent move to the club.
