Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong has been ruled out of the club’s clash with Newcastle this weekend, which could mean a return for winger Moussa Djenepo.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed that Armstrong suffered a concussion during the 3-1 defeat to West Ham last weekend. He played on during the game, but he will now be forced to watch on from the sidelines against Newcastle.
Twitter: #saintsfc Midfielder Stuart Armstrong will miss Saturday’s game v Newcastle with concussion
Will Smallbone has bee… https://t.co/LXfaH250vD (@AdamBlackmore)
Hasenhuttl has also revealed that Djenepo is back in training after being granted some time off due to the tragic passing of his mother last month.
Armstrong being out could allow Djenepo to return to the team. Djenepo’s place was taken by Sofiane Boufal against the Hammers, but with Armstrong and Nathan Redmond both being unavailable, a spot on the wing does open up. Boufal could play out on one flank, with Djenepo out on the other.
Whilst both traditionally play on the left, Boufal is comfortable out on the right as well. Djenepo was excellent in his last appearance against Aston Villa on the left-wing, so putting him on the left and moving Boufal to the right could be a good move by Hasenhuttl.
In 90 minutes against Villa, Djenepo completed an astonishing six dribbles, four key passes and registered an assist for Shane Long.
This suggests that Djenepo’s return for Southampton could be a huge boost, if he is able to produce a similar level of performance against Newcastle.
His dribbling skills and creativity in the final third could help to open up Newcastle’s defence and create chances for Long and Danny Ings in the box.
