Southampton have confirmed ahead of today’s clash against Fulham that Danny Ings still has a hamstring problem while Jannik Vestergaard and Nathan Redmond are injury doubts.
Meanwhile, Oriol Romeu is suspended for the game at Craven Cottage and will likely be replaced by Ibrahima Diallo.
Ings suffered the hamstring injury in Southampton’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last Saturday, resulting in him being withdrawn before the restart. The 28-year-old is still recovering and may need a late fitness test before a decision is made.
Vestergaard has a knee injury which could keep him out against Fulham. Southampton have Jack Stephens and Mohammed Salisu to call upon at centre-back, so Ralph Hasenhüttl at least has options in the 28-year-old’s stead.
Redmond has a muscular problem, but he should not be a major loss as he hasn’t commanded a regular starting place this season. Hasenhüttl has often preferred Moussa Djenepo and Theo Walcott out wide, with three goals and two assists between the pair (WhoScored).
Romeu has a one-match ban after picking up a fifth yellow card against Manchester City and Diallo is the only natural replacement in the defensive midfield role, so the 21-year-old should start alongside James Ward-Prowse this afternoon. Stuart Armstrong is available, and while he provides less defensive protection than Diallo, he may offer a greater attacking threat against a Fulham team starting the day in the relegation zone.
READ SOUTHAMPTON VERDICT
Top scorer Ings and the resurgent Vestergaard could be significant losses if they fail to feature this afternoon.
However, their absences could offer welcome opportunities for the likes of Diallo and Shane Long to make an impression if they are handed rare starts.
Quiz time: What do you know about Ralph Hasenhüttl’s time in charge of Southampton?
