Shane Long and Cedric Soares are among the absentees for Claude Puel’s side.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Claude Puel has given an update on the fitness of his squad ahead of their eagerly anticipated clash with Inter Milan at St Mary’s this evening.
Saints have coped admirably despite suffering from their fair share of injury problems so far this season, and Puel confirmed that numerous players would not be fit to face the Italian giants.
Southampton’s Shane Long goes off injured
“Still injured are Long, Targett, McCarthy, Hesketh, and Reed now,” said Puel.
Young midfielder Harrison Reed became the latest to have to visit the treatment table after picking up a knock playing for the club’s Under-23 side earlier this week, while Cedric Soares remains on the sidelines.
Southampton’s Cedric Soares in action with West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet
“Jérémy Pied, of course, is also injured,” Puel continued. “For the moment, many players are out, but it’s important to continue this good work.”
Jay Rodriguez was handed a start in the San Siro but looks unlikely to feature in the re-match having picked up concussion in the League Cup win over Sunderland last week.
Inter Milan’s Jeison Murillo in action with Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez
Southampton’s famous production line comes into its own when injuries take hold, with young left-back Sam McQueen one prospect who has impressed since coming into the side.
Saints supporters will be hoping to see more of Sofiane Boufal, the club record signing who scored a stunner in last week’s League Cup victory in what has so far been his only Southampton start.
Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal celebrates scoring against Sunderland
Fellow midfielder James Ward-Prowse is also likely to feature, and the young midfielder could make a big statement if he puts in a positive performance in what is one of Southampton’s biggest occasions in recent memory.
Can Saints earn a famous win over Inter Milan? Leave your predictions below.
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