Southampton will be without a key trio for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed ahead of this weekend.
Sofiane Boufal, Nathan Redmond and Kyle Walker-Peters are all ruled out for the south coast side in what promises to be an important game for both teams.
Southampton winger Redmond is out for at least a month making him the longest absentee of the three.
“Redmond is out. We still don’t know exactly how long it will be, minimum of one month.”
Hasenhuttl on Nathan Redmond
Boufal has a heel injury and hasn’t trained with the Southampton squad this week and thus isn’t fit – but may return next week for Hasenhuttl.
“I didn’t train him this week. He is ahead of schedule but would be tough to be fit for this weekend. He has problems with his heel and I think it’s possible for him to start next week.”
Hasenhuttl on Sofiane Boufal
Walker-Peters, on loan at Southampton from Tottenham, is out with a knock after making his debut for the club last week.
“He is injured now and is definitely out. Yan Valery though is training well. He couldn’t train this week so hopefully he is back next week.”
Hassenhuttl on Walker-Peters
Southampton currently sit in 12th place, seven points ahead of the relegation zone.
The Saints lost last time out at home to Burnley after the Clarets came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at St. Mary’s.
Hasenhuttl has a fully fit squad to pick from apart from the afore-mentioned players, with no other injury or suspension concern for the Austrian.
Saturday’s opponents Aston Villa are just one point ahead of the relegation zone and are fighting for their Premier League status.
As such, Southampton will be facing a motivated opponent – one that are made all the more dangerous by the form of exciting attacking midfielder Jack Grealish.
Hasenhuttl will need to come up with a plan to inhibit the Villa captain and if Southampton are to get the three points, keeping the gifted playmaker quiet will be essential.
The Saints have amassed 31 points and will know that a couple more wins will preserve their Premier League status for another campaign.
