Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has delivered a positive injury update on midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
Hasenhuttl says that Armstrong is ahead of schedule in terms of his recovery, although it is unlikely that he will be able to play against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Armstrong has been out with a hip injury since picking up a knock in the original fixture, a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s between the two sides.
Speaking to Southampton’s website, Hasenhuttl said:
Stuart is ahead of schedule.
He could maybe be fit quicker than we think, but fit for Wednesday, I don’t think so.
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Before suffering his injury, Armstrong had scored twice in three Premier League appearances for the Saints. He found the back of the net in the 2-1 win away to Leicester and the 2-0 win away to Crystal Palace, showing how important he has been in recent weeks for the Saints.
Armstrong’s game is not all about goals and providing assists though, as he is more of a facilitator in Southampton’s play. He presses quickly and tenaciously to force the opposition into going backwards or giving the ball away, helping to defend from the front while also creating opportunities for counter-attacks.
His movement off the ball is also key. Armstrong makes clever runs into the channels to drag defenders away from the ball, thus creating space for the likes of Nathan Redmond and Danny Ings to work their magic. It might not be as eye-catching as a strike into the top corner, but it is important nonetheless as it is a key part of Southampton’s build-up play in the final third. This is why having him back as soon as possible will be a boost for the Saints.
