[ad_pod ]
Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina will play no part in Gabon’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Mali on Saturday because of an injury issue, which could potentially keep him on the sidelines for his club’s crucial Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage next weekend.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the 25-year-old travelled to his home country for the international break, but according to Gaboneco his international manager Daniel Cousin has ruled him out of the game after he suffered a muscle injury after training on Wednesday.
According to Gaboneco, the 41-year-old said:
“I honestly cannot count on players who are not 100%, it is difficult. I need those that are in good shape.
“I cannot trust him [Lemina], because Saturday’s game will be physically demanding.
“So there is no question of taking risks, Mario is going to look after himself quietly. I do not know if he will attend the game for the spirit of the group or will he return to his club. The most important thing is that he takes care of himself.”
The former Juventus man has once again been a regular starter in Southampton’s midfield this season having played all but 24 minutes of their Premier League campaign, and he has formed a successful partnership with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with Oriol Romeu often having to settle for a spot on the substitutes’ bench.
Could he miss the Fulham clash?
Essentially, we don’t know the extent of the problem yet, but Hughes will hope that it isn’t a recurrence of the thigh issue that meant that he was also doubtful for the clash against Watford at St Mary’s last Saturday.
The Welshman will certainly be sweating on the 25-year-old’s fitness given the quality that he has in his locker, and should he miss out then either Romeu or club captain Steven Davis – both of whom failed to make the 18-man squad against the Hornets – could be handed a rare reprieve with the latter in particular something of a forgotten man this term.
Check out Playmaker FC’s Tom Skinner’s unfiltered take on Wayne Rooney’s England legacy in the video below…
Lemina would certainly be a major absentee for the visitors when the Premier League strugglers come up against each other, as he won the man of the match award against Javi Gracia’s men by covering more ground and winning more duels than any of his teammates.
