A number of Southampton fans have been reacting to the latest update from Ralph Hasenhuttl on the fitness of Will Smallbone, with the Austrian confirming that the youngster has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The Irish prospect was handed his second Premier League start of the season in the 2-0 defeat against Leicester on Saturday, with the 20-year-old brought into play on the left flank amid injuries to the likes of Nathan Redmond and Moussa Djenepo. However, he was brought off the field in the 61st minute after he had earlier suffered a knee injury.
The versatile midfielder, who can also operate in the wide positions as he did against Leicester, has shown some encouraging signs so far this season when he has been given the chance to feature. However, it now seems like he is set for a lengthy recovery period over the next few months.
As reported by BBC Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore, Hasenhuttl confirmed in his press conference ahead of the Saints’ clash against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup tonight that Smallbone suffered an ACL injury during the defeat against the Foxes.
Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone suffered an ACL knee injury v Leicester and manager Ralph Hasenhuettl says he’ll be out for “half a year”
Good luck to @WSmallbone with his recovery #saintsfc
— Adam Blackmore (@AdamBlackmore) January 18, 2021
Saints fans react to Will Smallbone injury setback
Many Southampton fans were rueful about the news and were keen to wish the midfielder a swift and full recovery from his ACL injury. Some questioned why he was allowed to play on for a while after he had injured his knee against Leicester.
Here is a flavour of the Twitter reaction from the St Mary’s faithful:
Rough. Be great if he’s back in time for the start of next season. Horrible injury to get
— Chris (@cj_garrett) January 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/SFC_Debs/status/1351169495340118019
Awful news for the lad. Played very well on Saturday. All the best in recovery Will.
— Jack (@jdh1989) January 18, 2021
Really bad news – hope he recovers OK.
— Southern Man (@SouthernMan7) January 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/myles_cb/status/1351167814774775813
Damn. That’s so unfortunate. Really feel for the lad. Speedy recovery Will. 😔 #SaintsFC https://t.co/CNzH1TSriP
— James McFadden 🎮 (@McFadden1985) January 18, 2021
That’s a shame. He was putting in one of his best performances in a Saints shirt until the injury. All the best @WSmallbone https://t.co/bYEHjt2dLK
— The Milton (@saintsfcmemes) January 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/RhysTheSaint/status/1351162255845580802
